Physical Geology- Chapter 15
Which of the following types of mass movements is fastest and least dependent upon moist or saturated conditions? A) solifluction B) mudflow C) slide D) rockfall
rockfall
Which of the following is NOT an example of a chemical weathering process? A) hydrolysis B) salt wedging C) oxidation D) carbonation
salt wedging
Which of the following is NOT a category of mass wasting? A) slide B) creep C) fall D) slip E) flow
slip
What is the difference between a joint and a fault? A) Faults show displacement of the rock structure; joints do not. D) Joints show displacement of the rock structure; faults do not. C) Joints are always longer than faults. D) Joints are horizontal cracks, while faults are vertical cracks. E) none of the above are correct
Faults show displacement of the rock structure; joints do not.
Explain what "frost wedging" is and why it is so important to the weathering process.
Frost wedging is the fragmentation of rock due to expansion of water that freezes into ice within rock openings. It is important because it changes the rate and magnitude of mechanical weathering, along with temperature and moisture.
Why is chemical weathering more effective in humid climates than in arid climates?
In arid climates the air is dry and has no moisture. If the climate is more humid there is a higher chance for chemicals to be dissolved in the moisture.
How are the "angle of repose" and "mass wasting" related?
Mass wasting happens if the angle of repose is increased by adding more material. Also if friction is decreased by oversaturation.
Describe the sequence of events leading up to the formation of "Quake Lake" and the subsequent remedy for this disaster.
On August 17, 1959 near West Yellowstone an earthquake caused a massive 80 million ton rock landslide to form a dam on the Madison River. Retaining walls can help stabilize a hill and restrain rocks to slide into your house. Direct the water away from exposed sloping areas because overwatering is commonly lead to landslides.
Which of the following statements is CORRECT? A) Mechanical weathering is the decomposition of rock by chemical alteration of its minerals. B) The variety of surface features on Earth results from tectonic activity, gravity, weathering, and erosion. C) The most important chemical substance needed for the weathering process is nitrogen. D) The carving of the Grand Canyon is due primarily to weathering.
The variety of surface features on Earth results from tectonic activity, gravity, weathering, and erosion.
The rate at which rocks weather depends upon A) the climate of an area B) the type of rock C) the amount of vegetation in an area D) all of the above E) A. and B. only
all of the above
Which of the following is generally not associated with soil creep? A) blocks of weathered rock slide downhill on a layer of clay B) over many years, fence posts and telephone poles begin to tilt downhill C) the freeze-thaw cycle slowly moves particles downhill D) very slow downslope movement of the top layer of soil
blocks of weathered rock slide downhill on a layer of clay
The term DENUDATION is often used to describe the A) process of weathering B) process of erosion C) results of mass movements D) combined processes of weathering, mass movements, erosion and the reduction of landscape relief
combined processes of weathering, mass movements, erosion and the reduction of landscape relief
Exfoliation is characterized by A) hydrolysis B) biological weathering C) frost shattering D) curved layers peeling away from bedrock E) chemical degradation of bedrock
curved layers peeling away from bedrock
Solifluction A) consists of pieces of rock falling downslope B) is the rebound shockwave that occurs following large earthquakes C) is gravity-force driven downslope movement of sediment overlying frozen ground D) is viscous, water-saturated sediment that flows rapidly downslope in poorly vegetated environments E) is an ocean tidal wave generated by large earthquake
is gravity-force driven downslope movement of sediment overlying frozen ground