S5 Exam 12th of June 2025

Question 1

What is weathering?

Answer 1

Breakdown of rocks at the Earth’s surface, in the same place, caused by things like rainwater, temperature changes, or living organisms. The broken material doesn’t move.

Question 2

Three types of weathering

Answer 2

1. Physical (e.g., frost wedging, exfoliation) 2. Chemical (e.g., oxidation, carbonation) 3. Biological (e.g., plant roots, lichens)

Question 3

Difference: Weathering vs. Erosion

Answer 3

Weathering breaks rocks in place; erosion involves movement of particles by wind/water/ice.

Question 4

Define igneous rocks

Answer 4

Rocks formed from solidified lava/magma (e.g., obsidian).

Question 5

Define sedimentary rocks

Answer 5

Rocks formed from layers of sand, mud, or other particles that are pressed together over time. Often forms in water and may contain fossils.

Question 6

Define metamorphic rocks

Answer 6

Rocks transformed by heat/pressure (e.g., marble from limestone).

Question 7

Formation of limestone

Answer 7

Formed from calcium carbonate (CaCO3) deposits in marine environments, often from shells/coral.

Question 8

Karst topography

Answer 8

Landscape formed by dissolved bedrock (e.g., caves, sinkholes) in limestone regions.

Question 9

Stalactite vs. stalagmite

Answer 9

Stalactites hang from cave ceilings; stalagmites rise from floors. Both form from calcium carbonate deposits.

Question 10

Column (cave formation)

Answer 10

Formed when stalactite and stalagmite merge into a single pillar.

Question 11

Urban function: CBD

Answer 11

Central Business District: High-value commercial area with skyscrapers and offices.

Question 12

Gentrification

Answer 12

Wealthy individuals move into poor areas, raising costs and displacing original residents.

Question 13

Ethnic ghetto

Answer 13

Area where a specific ethnic group lives, often in poor conditions (e.g., Chinatown).

Question 14

Issue faced by cities: Traffic congestion

Answer 14

Overloaded transport systems due to city expansion and population growth.

Question 15

Issue faced by cities: Pollution

Answer 15

Air/water/noise pollution from industries, vehicles, and waste.

Question 16

The Rock Cycle

Answer 16

Question 17

Steps of cave formation

Answer 17

1. Rainwater absorbs CO₂ from the air and soil → forms weak carbonic acid.
2. Carbonic acid seeps into the ground and dissolves limestone, slowly widening cracks and cavities over time.
3. Water carrying dissolved minerals (like calcium carbonate) drips inside the cave. As CO₂ escapes from the dripping water, minerals are deposited, forming:-Stalactites (hang from the ceiling)
   -Stalagmites (build up from the floor)