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Describe the main processes of mechanical weathering, and the types of materials that are produced when mechanical weathering predominates
Describe the main processes of chemical weathering, and the products of chemical weathering of minerals such as feldspar, ferromagnesian silicates, and calcite
Explain the type of weathering processes that are likely to have taken place to produce a sand sized sediment deposit
Discuss the relationships between weathering and soil formation and the origins of soil horizons
Explain the geological carbon cycle, and how variations in rates of weathering can lead to climate change
Describe the differences between cobbles, pebbles, sand, silt, and clay
Explain the relationship between clast size and the extent to which clasts can be transported by moving water or by wind
Apply your understanding of the features of sedimentary rocks, including grain characteristics, sedimentary structures, and fossils, to the interpretation of past depositional environments and climates
Explain the importance of and differences between groups, formations, and members

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Main processes of mechanical weathering and the types of materials that are produced when mechanical weathering predominates

Mechanical weathering is the process by which rocks are broken down into smaller pieces without changing their chemical composition. The main processes of mechanical weathering are:

  • Frost weathering: This process occurs when water freezes and expands in cracks in rocks, causing the rocks to break apart.
  • Salt weathering: This process occurs when salt crystals form in cracks in rocks and expand as they dry, causing the rocks to break apart.
  • Hydraulic action: This process occurs when water flow in cracks in rocks causes the rocks to break apart.
  • Exfoliation: This process occurs when the outer layers of rocks are peeled off by the expansion and contraction of the rocks due to changes in temperature.

Full Answer Section

The types of materials that are produced when mechanical weathering predominates are:

  • Clasts: These are the individual pieces of rock that are produced by mechanical weathering.
  • Rubble: This is a mass of clasts that are loosely cemented together.
  • Colluvium: This is a mass of clasts that have been transported by gravity.

Main processes of chemical weathering and the products of chemical weathering of minerals such as feldspar, ferromagnesian silicates, and calcite

Chemical weathering is the process by which rocks are broken down by chemical reactions. The main processes of chemical weathering are:

  • Hydrolysis: This process occurs when water molecules react with the minerals in rocks, breaking them down into smaller molecules.
  • Oxidation: This process occurs when oxygen molecules react with the minerals in rocks, breaking them down into smaller molecules.
  • Carbonation: This process occurs when carbon dioxide molecules react with the minerals in rocks, breaking them down into smaller molecules.

The products of chemical weathering of minerals such as feldspar, ferromagnesian silicates, and calcite are:

  • Feldspar: Feldspar is a type of mineral that is commonly found in rocks. When feldspar is weathered, it breaks down into clay minerals, such as kaolinite and illite.
  • Ferromagnesian silicates: Ferromagnesian silicates are a type of mineral that is commonly found in rocks. When ferromagnesian silicates are weathered, they break down into iron and magnesium oxides, such as hematite and magnetite.
  • Calcite: Calcite is a type of mineral that is commonly found in rocks. When calcite is weathered, it breaks down into dissolved calcium and carbonate ions.

Type of weathering processes that are likely to have taken place to produce a sand sized sediment deposit

Sand sized sediment deposits are most likely to be produced by mechanical weathering processes, such as frost weathering, salt weathering, and hydraulic action. These processes can break down rocks into sand sized clasts.

Relationships between weathering and soil formation and the origins of soil horizons

Weathering is the first step in soil formation. As rocks are weathered, they break down into smaller pieces and the minerals in the rocks are broken down into smaller molecules. These smaller pieces and molecules are the building blocks of soil.

Soil horizons are layers of soil that are formed by different processes. The topsoil is the layer of soil that is most affected by weathering. It is typically dark brown or black in color and it is rich in organic matter. The subsoil is the layer of soil that is below the topsoil. It is typically lighter in color and it is less rich in organic matter. The bedrock is the layer of soil that is below the subsoil. It is the solid rock that the soil is formed on.

The origins of soil horizons are related to the processes of weathering and the movement of water through the soil. The topsoil is the layer of soil that is most affected by weathering because it is the layer that is closest to the surface. The subsoil is the layer of soil that is less affected by weathering because it is the layer that is further from the surface. The bedrock is the layer of soil that is the least affected by weathering because it is the solid rock that the soil is formed on.

Geological carbon cycle and how variations in rates of weathering can lead to climate change

The geological carbon cycle is the process by which carbon moves through the Earth system. The carbon cycle is a biogeochemical cycle that includes the exchange of carbon between the biosphere, geosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere.

The weathering of rocks is one of the processes that moves carbon from the geosphere to the atmosphere. When rocks are weathered, they release carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas that traps heat in the atmosphere. This can lead to climate change.

Variations in the rates of weathering can lead to climate

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