Chapter 12: Weather and Mass Wasting
Which of the following locations would be expected to have the highest degree of chemical weathering? Multiple choice question. A shady, flat slope with abundant vegetation A steep, sunny slope with little soil A cold, windy mountaintop
A shady, flat slope with abundant vegetation
What occurs in the creation of a rock avalanche from an initial rockslide? Multiple choice question. A solid piece of rock is launched in the air and abruptly stops upon hitting the ground. The rockslide accumulates enough material to be termed an avalanche. A solid piece of rock breaks apart as it is moving rapidly.
A solid piece of rock breaks apart as it is moving rapidly.
Select geologic features that can be formed when groundwater interacts with limestone. Multiple select question. Caves Sinkholes Calderas Flowstone
Caves Sinkholes Flowstone
Significant deposits of clay minerals typically accumulate in what types of environments? Multiple select question. Deltas Lake bottoms Mountain streams Floodplains
Deltas Lake bottoms Floodplains
Choose the rock properties that directly influence weathering. Multiple select question. Color Age Discontinuities Mineral composition
Discontinuities Mineral composition
What sedimentary rock is composed primarily of calcium carbonate? Multiple choice question. Sandstone Shale Limestone
Limestone
Which of the following human modifications might cause slope failure? Multiple choice question. Draining water from a slope Erosion through wave action Road construction
Road construction
Slumgullion Landslide - the upper part
Scarps are present where the land is pulling away from the adjacent rocks. Scarps are present where the land is pulling away from the adjacent rocks.
Which of the following are surface features that may indicate caves at depth? Multiple select question. Presence of cross-bedded sedimentary rocks Sinkholes Presence of limestone Disappearing streams
Sinkholes Presence of limestone Disappearing streams
Numerous factors control mass wasting; choose all of the primary factors from below. Multiple select question. Slope angle Vegetation Geology Climate Animal habitats
Slope angle Vegetation Geology Climate
Frost Wedging
Widening of cracks in rock by water expanding as it freezes to ice
Rainwater is slightly ___ because it contains dissolved carbon dioxide and sulfur dioxide and will dissolve limestone if the two are in contact.
acidic
In general and over time, weathering will tend to cause rock features to ______. Multiple choice question. become more rounded become more angular not change in shape or size
become more rounded
Limestone is easily dissolved by weak acids because it is composed primarily of the mineral
calcite
Limestone is primarily composed of ______. Multiple choice question. silicon dioxide calcium carbonate sodium chloride
calcium carbonate
Hydrolysis, dissolution, oxidation, and biological reactions all are agents of ___ weathering.
chemical
The weathering of feldspar found in granite can create both dissolved ions and ___ minerals.
clay or secondary
A flow involving soil where much of the material is coarse grained (boulders and gravel) is known as a(n) ______. Multiple choice question. earth flow debris flow mudflow slump
debris flow
Limestone is composed of calcite, a mineral that dissolves easily in ______ climates. Multiple choice question. humid dry cold
humid
A ______ is a fracture in a rock along which movement has not occurred. Multiple choice question. fault strike-slip joint
joint
This type of fracture, which is small and has no significant offset, promotes weathering by allowing water and plant roots to penetrate the rock.
joint
Sinkholes, disappearing streams, and limestone pillars are characteristics of ___ topography.
karst
What is the general term commonly applied to the slow to very rapid movement of rock or soil downslope?
landslide
Specific rock properties that influence weathering include the grain size and ___ composition, as well as the types and number of discontinuities, such as fractures and bedding planes.
mineral or chemical
The work geologists do in studying prehistoric and recent slope failures helps to ______ damage from future landslides when the data are used and distributed to the people living in dangerous areas. Multiple choice question. exacerbate minimize eliminate
minimize
The _______ is the component of gravity that is perpendicular to the slope and tends to cause a block to ______. Multiple choice question. normal component; move downslope shear component; move downslope normal component; stay in place shear component; stay in place
normal component; stay in place
The process of ______ occurs when minerals react with oxygen at or near Earth's surface. Multiple choice question. physical weathering oxidation dissolution
oxidation
Thermal expansion, pressure release, and mineral, frost, and root wedging all are ___ weathering processes.
physical
The work geologists do in studying recent and prehistoric slope failures helps to mitigate the loss of life and ___ from future slope failures.
property
The outer zone of a rock that has been weathered is called the weathering ___
rind
As physical weathering occurs, the amount of ___ area of a rock outcrop increases, and this allows more ___ weathering to occur.
surface; chemical
The process of hydrolysis occurs when minerals combine with ___.
water
Secondary minerals that form from the chemical weathering of other minerals ______. Multiple choice question. all have a secondary hydroxyl group in their chemical composition are more stable than the original minerals all have undergone oxidation at least to some degree all dissolve easily in slightly acidic water
are more stable than the original minerals
A flow involving soil where much of the material is coarse grained (boulders and gravel) is known as a(n) ______. Multiple choice question. earth flow mudflow debris flow slump
debris flow
The alternating ledges and slopes shown in this photograph are the result of ______ weathering, as some of the rock layers are more susceptible to weathering than others. Multiple choice question. alternative variable differential
differential
A(n) ______ is the downslope movement of earth as a viscous fluid. Multiple choice question. debris slide earth flow fall
earth flow
Geologists identify prehistoric slope failures by studying topography, rock distribution, and the ______ of geologic structures. Multiple choice question. size geometry color
geometry
True or false: How a mineral weathers depends only on the climate in which it is located. True false question. True False
False
What mineral found in granite commonly weathers to produce both dissolved ions and clay minerals? Multiple choice question. Quartz Feldspar Amphibole
Feldspar
How does time affect weathering? Multiple choice question. As time progresses, weathering slows significantly. Time is an insignificant factor in weathering. The more time, the more weathering occurs.
The more time, the more weathering occurs.
In 2002, the Black Rapid Glacier in Alaska was covered in the material from numerous slope failures that were all triggered by ______. Multiple choice question. a large rainfall event an earthquake sudden melting caused by volcanic eruption
an earthquakes
In general and over time, weathering will tend to cause rock features to ______. Multiple choice question. not change in shape or size become more angular become more rounded
become more rounded
H2CO3, better known as ______, is a weak and common compound that readily dissolves limestone. Multiple choice question. bicarbonate carbonic acid calcite
carbonic acid
The presence of limestone on the surface, sinkholes, and other features of karst topography may indicate that there are ___ at depth.
caves of caverns
How a mineral weathers depends on time of exposure, the surrounding climate, and the mineral's ______. Multiple select question. color and size chemical composition atomic structure
chemical composition atomic structure
The decomposition of rock resulting from exposure to water and atmospheric gases is referred to as ______. Multiple choice question. physical weathering erosion chemical weathering disintegration
chemical weathering
The material in the Slumgullion landslide is rich in ______ minerals, which were created through the weathering of volcanic rocks found in the San Juan Mountains. Multiple choice question. clay sulfide metallic
clay
Oxidation of minerals usually occurs ______. Multiple choice question. in Earth's mantle near Earth's surface in magma chambers
near Earth's surface
Select the scenario that most likely explains how the cave pictured here formed. Multiple choice question. A less resistant rock weathered and eroded more quickly to form the cave and a more resistant rock remains to form the roof. Sediment deposited on top of ice hardened into rock and then the ice melted away. A large animal likely dug this cave in an act of biotic weathering. Root wedging has created a large space in the underlying rock before it decayed, leaving the cave behind.
A less resistant rock weathered and eroded more quickly to form the cave and a more resistant rock remains to form the roof.
Travertine is a sedimentary rock that is formed when ______ that was dissolved in groundwater reprecipitates when the groundwater flows onto the surface. Multiple choice question. granite sandstone limestone shale
limestone
In general, limestone located in a wet climate will weather ______ limestone in a dry climate. Multiple choice question. at the same rate as more readily than less readily than
more readily than
The lack of vegetation on this hillside is a scar indicating an area of ______. Multiple choice question. poor soil deforestation slope failure
slope failure
Plant Growth
Widening of cracks by expanding tree roots
What is the annual economic cost of slope failures in the U.S.? Multiple choice question. $3,000,000,000 $3,000,000 $300,000
$3,000,000,000
What factor is most important in designating the Appalachian Mountains as having a high risk for landslides? Multiple choice question. Extremely steep slopes Folded, faulted, and weathered rocks Frequent earthquake activity
Folded, faulted, and weathered rocks
What factor is most important in designating the Appalachian Mountains as having a high risk for landslides? Multiple choice question. Folded, faulted, and weathered rocks Frequent earthquake activity Extremely steep slopes
Folded, faulted, and weathered rocks
Unloading
Formation of joints due to the removal of overlying rock and subsequent expansion
Thermal Expansion
Heating and cooling that causes minerals to expand and contract differently
What type of slope failure would most likely occur in the upper section of this outcrop? Multiple choice question. Creep Infrequent debris flows Infrequent rock falls
Infrequent rock falls
Which of the following is a common, nonscientific term used to describe mass movements of varying nature and speed? Multiple choice question. Failures Slips Landslides
Landslides
Slumgullion Landslide - the slides and middle
Linear to gently curved zones of shearing are present at boundaries behind sections moving with different velocities.
What is biotic weathering? Multiple choice question. Weathering that happens at the genetic level in the minerals Weathering that can affect even the most resistant rocks and minerals Weathering that affects fossil-bearing sedimentary rocks or directly affects the fossils themselves Weathering caused by biological activity
Weathering caused by biological activity
Rock properties such as cleavage, fractures, and bedding planes ______ the mechanical strength of rock and may allow for downhill slippage. Multiple choice question. stabilize increase reduce
reduce
When groundwater is carrying dissolved limestone and that groundwater flows onto the surface, ______ is formed. Multiple choice question. a cave travertine a sinkhole
travertine
The occurrence of wildfires in many areas of the western United States removes the vegetation that often gives strength to slopes; this ______ that are already ripe for debris flows. Multiple choice question. worsens conditions does not affect areas improves conditions
worsens conditions
Slumgullion Landslide - the toe (lower part)
Parts of the slide are overriding material that has not slipped or slipped as much
A site in an earthquake-prone area that is located on a steep slope composed of weak materials should be ______. Multiple choice question. avoided, as its slope failure potential is high developed, as its slope failure potential is low studied further, because a few inexpensive fixes could make the site safe from potential failure
avoided, as its slope failure potential is high
Weathering that is caused by the activity of living organisms is ______ weathering. Multiple choice question. biotic symbiotic abiotic sympatric
biotic
Which location described below would you expect to have the highest degree of physical weathering? Multiple choice question. A flat, shady, soil-covered plateau A steep, windy, high-elevation mountaintop A semivegetated, south-facing slope
A steep, windy, high-elevation mountaintop
Which of the following factors would tend to increase the depth of weathering (and thickness of soils) in an area? Multiple select question. Lower temperatures An increase in rainfall A decrease in plant growth Higher temperatures A decrease in rainfall An increase in plant growth
An increase in rainfall Higher temperatures An increase in plant growth
What process occurs when a mineral reacts and combines with water to form a new mineral? Multiple choice question. Dissolution Oxidation Hydrolysis
Hydrolysis
Choose the ways in which rocks are chemically weathered. Multiple select question. Exfolation Oxidation Wedging Dissolution Hydrolysis
Oxidation Dissolution Hydrolysis
What is the general term used for the rocks and minerals acted upon by physical and chemical weathering? Multiple choice question. Parent material Protoliths Primal crust Fountainheads
Parent material
What is the general term used for the rocks and minerals acted upon by physical and chemical weathering? Multiple choice question. Protoliths Parent material Fountainheads Primal crust
Parent material
______ breaks rocks into smaller pieces without changing their composition. Multiple choice question. Physical weathering Hydrolysis Chemical weathering Oxidation
Physical weathering
What type of slope failure would most likely occur in this outcrop? Multiple choice question. Slumps Rock slides Debris flows Creep
Rock slides
A weathered landscape would likely have which of the following features? Multiple select question. Rounded sediments Material made mostly of unstable minerals Thick soils in areas with extensive weathering
Rounded sediments Thick soils in areas with extensive weathering
Which of the following would decrease the angle of repose for a given sediment deposit? Multiple choice question. Making the grains slightly wet Making the grains more angular Rounding the grains
Rounding the grains
How does time affect weathering? Multiple choice question. Time is an insignificant factor in weathering. As time progresses, weathering slows significantly. The more time, the more weathering occurs.
The more time, the more weathering occurs.
How are weathering and mass wasting related? Multiple choice question. Mass wasting events allow weathering processes to begin in a geographic area. The weathering of minerals and rocks creates more stable surfaces, reducing the likelihood of mass wasting events. Weathering is the erosion of rocks and mass wasting is the erosion of soils. The weathering of earth materials loosens them, increasing the likelihood of downslope movements by mass wasting.
The weathering of earth materials loosens them, increasing the likelihood of downslope movements by mass wasting.
How do joints influence the development of a landscape? Multiple select question. They affect the strength of the rocks. They change the chemical composition of the rocks they affect. They decrease a rock's resistance to erosion. They decrease a rock's resistance to weathering.
They affect the strength of the rocks. They decrease a rock's resistance to erosion. They decrease a rock's resistance to weathering.
How do joints influence the development of a landscape? Multiple select question. They change the chemical composition of the rocks they affect. They affect the strength of the rocks. They decrease a rock's resistance to erosion. They decrease a rock's resistance to weathering.
They affect the strength of the rocks. They decrease a rock's resistance to erosion. They decrease a rock's resistance to weathering.
How do lava tubes (pictured here) form? Multiple choice question. They form as limestone is removed by underground streams. They form as lava wedges into the cracks of existing rocks and breaks them apart as minerals form from the lava. They form as the lava that flowed in the tunnel drained out of it. They form when lava contracts as it cools and leaves an open space behind.
They form as the lava that flowed in the tunnel drained out of it.
Select the accurate summary below of time's influence on weathering. Multiple choice question. Time is a factor in weathering only in that older rocks tend to be more stable than younger rocks. Time is not a critical factor since the rates of physical and chemical weathering are universal constants. Time is only a factor in the locations where the temperature varies by more than 13.5°C in a given year. Time is a critical factor in that it allows for more weathering to occur.
Time is a critical factor in that it allows for more weathering to occur.
Select the accurate summary below of time's influence on weathering. Multiple choice question. Time is only a factor in the locations where the temperature varies by more than 13.5°C in a given year. Time is not a critical factor since the rates of physical and chemical weathering are universal constants. Time is a critical factor in that it allows for more weathering to occur. Time is a factor in weathering only in that older rocks tend to be more stable than younger rocks.
Time is a critical factor in that it allows for more weathering to occur.
True or false: A rock outcrop may form alternating ledges and slopes because some sections are more susceptible to weathering than others. True false question. True False
True
True or false: As it moves downhill, a debris slide may change and transition into a flow. True false question. True False
True
The thickness of a weathering rind may be used to suggest ______. Multiple choice question. how long a rock has been exposed to weathering the age and composition of the rock the rock's entire history
how long a rock has been exposed to weathering
Weathering that is caused by the activity of living organisms is ______ weathering. Multiple choice question. sympatric abiotic symbiotic biotic
biotic
The tombstone in the image has a white streak that extends down its face from a metal plate. The most likely cause of the darker areas around this white streak is ______. Multiple choice question. biotic weathering root wedging by bacteria freezing and thawing salt crystallization
biotic weathering Reason: Water is likely reacting with the metal to form a solution that inhibits the growth of the lichen within the white streak that is occurring elsewhere on the face of the tombstone.
The depth of weathering in the mid-latitudes is ______ than in deserts because ______ in the mid-latitudes. Multiple choice question. greater; there is more precipitation less; it is warmer greater; it is warmer less; there is more precipitation
greater; there is more precipitation
Which of the following is a common, nonscientific term used to describe mass movements of varying nature and speed? Multiple choice question. Failures Landslides Slips
landslides
___ cause 25 to 50 annual fatalities in the United States. (Use just one word.)
landslides
Rainwater is slightly acidic because of the dissolved ______ and sulfur dioxide. Multiple choice question. limestone carbon dioxide silicon dioxide
carbon dioxide
A flow involving soil where much of the material is coarse grained (boulders and gravel) is known as a(n) ______. Multiple choice question. earth flow debris flow slump mudflow
debris flow
The classification of slope ___ is based upon what type of material is moving, the way the material is moving, and the rate of movement.
failures
True or false: Since time is variable in the rates of both physical and chemical weathering, time can be canceled out as a factor in weathering. True false question
false
Chemical weathering occurs ______ in warm, humid areas than it does in cold, dry settings. Multiple choice question. faster slower at the same rate
faster
Chemical weathering occurs ______ in warm, humid areas than it does in cold, dry settings. Multiple choice question. slower faster at the same rate
faster
Caves, travertine, and karst topography are formed when groundwater interacts with ______. Multiple choice question. limestone sand lava granite
limestone
As the rate of physical weathering increases, the amount of chemical weathering also increases because ______. Multiple choice question. physical weathering increases the amount of surface area on which chemical weathering can occur physical weathering decreases the pH (increases the acidity) of groundwater physical weathering releases ions that act as catalysts in many of the chemical weathering processes the same processes that cause physical weathering also cause chemical weathering
physical weathering increases the amount of surface area on which chemical weathering can occur
What does "parent material" mean in this context of weathering? Parent materials are the ______. Multiple choice question. physical objects, such as entrained quartz grains, that strike existing rocks and break them into smaller pieces chemical elements that formed the rocks and minerals that are subjected to weathering ions dissolved in water that are ready to start dissolving rocks and start making secondary minerals rocks and minerals acted upon by physical and chemical weathering
rocks and minerals acted upon by physical and chemical weathering
The salt content of water is referred to as its ___.
salinity
The salinity of the water is simply a measure of the water's ______. Multiple choice question. conductivity density salt content ability to cause chemical weathering
salt content
The new minerals that form as a result of chemical weathering at Earth's surface are more stable than the original minerals. These minerals are referred to as ______ minerals. Multiple choice question. decay reformed surface secondary
secondary
Although earth flows and debris flows both are dominated by fine-grained materials such as mud and soil, an earth flow typically moves ______ than a debris flow. Multiple choice question. slower faster
slower
A(n) ___ hangs from the ceiling of a cave, and a(n) ___ grows upward from the floor.
stalactite; stalagmite
In the image provided, a light-colored dike (labeled with a yellow O) sticks out from the darker rock around it. The most likely reason this light-colored dike sticks out is that ______. Multiple choice question. the dike is more resistant to weathering (i.e., differential weathering) than the surrounding rock salt crystals formed on top of the dike tree roots replaced the dike as root wedging loosened this boulder from the bedrock oxidation of the dike resulted in the growth of secondary minerals on it
the dike is more resistant to weathering (i.e., differential weathering) than the surrounding rock
When ocean water evaporates, ______. Multiple choice question. the dissolved salts remain in the sea some dissolved salts evaporate and some remain in the sea the dissolved salts also evaporate
the dissolved salts remain in the sea
The flow of material downhill will occur if ______. Multiple select question. the slope is vegetated the material is internally weak the material is poorly attached to the hillside the slope is steep
the material is internally weak the material is poorly attached to the hillside the slope is steep
The development of joints in rocks changes how a landscape develops because ______. Multiple choice question. the formation of joints releases stress and thus makes the rocks more stable they slow the progress of weathering and erosion they increase the rate at which weathering and erosion occur they tend to increase local precipitation and thus increase the amount of root wedging
they increase the rate at which weathering and erosion occur
The leading downhill edge, or front, of a rock slide is called the ______. Multiple choice question. head end toe
toe
Most of the salt in the oceans is derived from ______. Multiple choice question. weathering of rocks on land the direct contribution of sea animals salt-rich precipitation
weathering of rocks on land
Chemical and physical ___ causes the breakdown of surface materials. This process increases slope instability, thus increasing the likelihood of gravity causing mass ___.
weathering; wasting or movement
