UK PHY: Rocks And Landscapes

Question 1

What factors cause rock landform structure to vary?

Answer 1

•Type of Rock
•Structure of Rock
•Reaction to weathering processes

Question 2

What are the three different rock groups?

Answer 2

1. Igneous
2. Sedimentary
3. Metamorphic

Question 3

What is an igneous rock and what are its different types?

Answer 3

Igneous rock is formed in the molten interior of the Earth
• Volcanic Rock- spewed out from lava or molten material
•Intrusive Rock- pushed up from the Earth surface as molten material

Question 4

What is sedimentary rock and what are the examples?

Answer 4

Sedimentary rock is formed when rock which has been previously eroded (fluvial) and deposited after being transported away.
• Limestone, Chalk, Sandstone, Clay

Question 5

What is a metamorphic rock?

Answer 5

Metamorphic rock forms when rocks such as sedimentary rocks are altered by pressure or heat in the crust beneath the Earth’s pressure

Question 6

What are the three types of weathering?

Answer 6

•Mechanical
•Biological
•Chemical

Question 7

What are examples of Chemical weathering?

Answer 7

•Solution - Rainwater passing through the atmosphere absorbs carbon dioxide and becomes weak carbonic acid. The acid reacts with the rock and causes decomposition

Question 8

What are examples of Biological weathering?

Answer 8

•The roots of plants and trees growing in joints and crevices on a rock face expand with age and force joints apart. Rotting vegetation creates humid acid which adds to the processes of chemical weathering

Question 9

What are examples of mechanical weathering?

Answer 9

•Freeze thaw - when rainwater trapped in a joint freezes due to temperature dipping below 0 degrees C, when it freezes it expands and the joint is widened by pressure. Cycle repeats until rocks breaks off
•Pressure release - when rocks are under high pressure when they are exposed at the surface, when pressure gets released, joints and weaknesses develop in the rock