Consider the following statements related to weathering:1. Plants cont...
Weathering causes the disintegration of rock near the surface of the earth. Plant and animal life, atmosphere and water are the major causes of weathering. Weathering breaks down and loosens the surface minerals of rock so they can be transported away by agents of erosion such as water, wind and ice. There are two types of weathering: mechanical and chemical.
Mechanical Weathering Mechanical weathering is the disintegration of rock into smaller and smaller fragments. Frost action is an effective form of mechanical weathering. When water trickles down into fractures and pores of rock, then freezes, its volume increases by almost 10 percent. This causes outward pressure of about 30,000 pounds per square inch at -7.6 Fahrenheit. Frost action causes rocks to be broken apart into angular fragments. Idaho's extreme temperature range in the high country causes frost action to be a very important form of weathering.
Chemical weathering transforms the original material into a substance with a different composition and different physical characteristics. The new substance is typically much softer and more susceptible to agents of erosion than the original material. The rate of chemical weathering is greatly accelerated by the presence of warm temperatures and moisture. Also, some minerals are more vulnerable to chemical weathering than others. For example, feldspar is far more reactive than quartz.
View all questions of this test
Consider the following statements related to weathering:1. Plants cont...
Explanation:
Weathering is the process by which rocks and minerals are broken down into smaller pieces over time due to various physical, chemical, and biological processes. It plays a crucial role in the formation of soil, landscapes, and the overall shaping of the Earth's surface.
Statement 1: Plants contribute to mechanical weathering.
Plants play a significant role in mechanical weathering. Their roots can grow into cracks and crevices of rocks, exerting pressure and causing the rocks to break apart. Additionally, as plants grow, their roots can push apart rocks, leading to their disintegration. This process is known as physical or mechanical weathering.
Statement 2: The weathering process by which the outer layers of the rock peel out in concentric cells due to a difference in temperature in the outer layers is called exfoliation.
Exfoliation is a type of mechanical weathering where rocks peel away in sheets or layers. It occurs due to the expansion and contraction of rocks caused by temperature changes. During the day, the outer layers of rocks heat up and expand, while at night, they cool down and contract. This repeated expansion and contraction can lead to the peeling or flaking of the outer layers of rocks, resulting in concentric cells or layers.
Statement 3: The process of weathering helps in giving different colors and properties to the soil.
Weathering plays a crucial role in the formation of soil. As rocks undergo weathering, they break down into smaller particles and mix with organic matter, such as decaying plants and animals. This process leads to the formation of soil, which can vary in color and properties depending on the type of rock and the weathering processes involved. For example, weathering of granite can result in sandy soil, while weathering of limestone can lead to the formation of fertile, clay-rich soil.
Conclusion:
All three statements are correct. Plants contribute to mechanical weathering, exfoliation is a process of mechanical weathering, and weathering helps in giving different colors and properties to the soil.
To make sure you are not studying endlessly, EduRev has designed UPSC study material, with Structured Courses, Videos, & Test Series. Plus get personalized analysis, doubt solving and improvement plans to achieve a great score in UPSC.