Weathering, Erosion And Soils

Question 1

What is the definition of sediment?

Answer 1

Loose solids
Fragments of rocks, broken off ,minerals or shells/shell fragments.
Key… loose particles

Question 2

What are some transport methods of sediment?

Answer 2

It is often transported by air, water wind or ice. Air is called aeolian, water is fluvial. The sediments are later deposited in deposition all environments

Question 3

In point form, describe physical weathering and provide the different types of physical weathering.

Answer 3

• breaking of parent rock into smaller particles by mechanical processes
• frost wedging
• root pry
• exfoliation

Question 4

Explain what chemical weathering is and provide the five types of chemical weathering.

Answer 4

Chemical weathering is the weathering of rock caused by chemical reactions.
Five types:
1) Simple Solution: minerals go directly into solution without precipitating. ( CaCo3+H2O»Ca2+ + 2HCO3-)
2)Hydrolysis: cations replaced with H+ (ex. Feldspar to Kaolinite)
3)Oxidation and reduction
4)Hydration/Dehydration
5) Chelation: lichens secrete chelation agents

Question 5

What are some controls on weathering?

Answer 5

~ Climate: wet or dry
~Temperature/humidity
~Rock type, lithology
~Rock Structure
~Topography
~Time