Consider the following statements about Abrasion. 1. Abrasion is most...
- The sandblasting of rock surfaces by winds when they hurl sand particles against them is called abrasion.
- The impact of such blasting results in rock surfaces being scratched, polished and worn away. Abrasion is most effective at or near the base of rocks, where the amount of material the wind can carry is greatest.
- This explains why a covering of metal protects telegraph poles in the deserts for a foot or two above the ground. A great variety of desert features are produced by abrasion.
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Consider the following statements about Abrasion. 1. Abrasion is most...
Statement 1: Abrasion is most effective at or near the top of rocks, where the amount of material the wind can carry is greatest.
Statement 2: The sandblasting of rock surfaces by winds when they hurl sand particles against them is called abrasion.
Correct answer: 2 only (Statement 2)
Explanation:
Abrasion is a geological process that involves the wearing away of rock surfaces by the mechanical action of other rock or sand particles carried by wind, water, or ice. It is an important agent of erosion and can shape and sculpt the Earth's surface over time.
Statement 1: Abrasion is most effective at or near the top of rocks, where the amount of material the wind can carry is greatest.
This statement is incorrect. Abrasion is not more effective at or near the top of rocks. In fact, it is more effective at the base of rocks or cliffs where the wind, water, or ice has the most force and can carry larger particles. As the wind or water moves across the rock surface, the particles it carries act like sandpaper, wearing away the rock and creating a smooth or polished surface. Over time, this process can lead to the formation of features such as rock arches, sea caves, or even canyons.
Statement 2: The sandblasting of rock surfaces by winds when they hurl sand particles against them is called abrasion.
This statement is correct. The sandblasting of rock surfaces by winds, when they hurl sand particles against them, is indeed called abrasion. When strong winds carry sand particles and forcefully impact rock surfaces, they cause the rock to chip, erode, and wear away. This process is similar to sandblasting, where the high-speed impact of sand particles against a surface removes material and creates a smooth or textured appearance.
In summary, only statement 2 is correct. Abrasion refers to the sandblasting of rock surfaces by winds, while statement 1 is incorrect as it states that abrasion is most effective at or near the top of rocks, which is not the case.