3.
Exogenic Processes Part I
Q. 1. Complete the statements choosing the correct option
1. _______is formed due to chemical precipitation between water and alkalis.
(a) Limestone
(b) Sandstone
(c) Coal
(d) Iron
(a) Limestone is formed due to chemical precipitation between water and
alkalis.
2. ________process occurs in rocks which have iron present in them.
(a) Shattering
(b) Oxidation
(c) Carbonation
(d) Granular
(b) Oxidation process occurs in rocks which have iron present in them.
3. Sometimes the weathered materials do not move downward but sink ‘in
situ’. This is called _________
(a) carbonation
(b) exfoliation
(c) precipitation
(d) slumping
(d) Sometimes the weathered materials do not move downward but sink ‘in
situ’. This is called slumping
4. Biological weathering occurs because of ______
(a) high temperatures
(b) frost
(c) crystal growth
(d) living organisms
(d) Biological weathering occurs because of living organisms
5. _____ is a universal solvent
(a) soil
(b) water
(c) Carbon
(d) Oxygen
(b) Water is a universal solvent
Q2. Match the following
Q3. Answer in one sentence
1. What are the Exogenetic processes?
Exogenetic processes are external processes that occur on or above
the earth’s surface, E.g. weathering, erosion, transportation,
deposition etc.
2. What is weathering?
Breaking or weakening of rocks is called weathering.
3. What is mechanical weathering?
The disintegration of rocks without any change in their chemical
composition is called mechanical weathering.
4. What is Chemical weathering?
The process of decomposition of rocks due to changes in their
chemical composition is called chemical weathering.
5. What is biological weathering?
The weathering process caused by human beings, animals and
plants is called biological weathering.
6. What is slumping?
Sometimes the weathered materials do not move downward but sink
‘in situ’ (where they ! are). This is called slumping.
7. What is solifluction?
In periglacial regions along the slopes, small layers of soil
accumulate because of the movement of soil. This is called
solifluction.
8. What is block disintegration?
When water accumulates in wide points and big blocks of rocks
separate from each other, this is called block disintegration.
9. What is exfoliation ?
When the outer layer of the racks fall apart from the main rock due to
temperature, the process is called exfoliation.\
Q4. Write short notes on
1. Exfoliation
● The exposed part of the rock heats more, while the inner part remains
comparatively cooler.
● As a result the outer layer of the rock falls apart from the main rock, this is
called exfoliation of the rocks
● Exfoliation is a type of mechanical weathering, where the outer layers of
the rock peel off like onion
2. Block disintegration.
● Sometimes, both temperature and water are responsible for weathering.
● Differences in temperature cause contraction and expansion of metals in
the rocks. This further leads to widening of joints or the cracks in the rocks.
● Water accumulates in such wide joints and big blocks of rocks separate
from each other.
● This is called 'block disintegration'. Block disintegration is a type of
mechanical weathering.
3. Carbonation.
● The rainwater travels through the atmosphere before reaching the ground.
Carbon dioxide in the air gets mixed on the rainwater during this process
and dilute carbonic acid gets formed.
● For example, Water + Carbon dioxide = Carbonic acid. (H,O + CO, =
H₂CO₃) Materials like limestone get easily dissolved (weathering) in such
acids. Carbonation is a type of chemical weathering.
Q5. Explain the following
1. What is mechanical weathering?
● Breaking or weakening of rocks without any change in their chemical
composition is called mechanical weathering.
● Exfoliation, granular weathering and block disintegration are the types
of mechanical weathering.
2. What are the main types of chemical weathering?
● The process of decomposition of rocks by changes in the chemical
composition of it is called chemical weathering. Carbonation, solution
and oxidation are the main types of chemical weathering.
● Dilute carbonic acid is formed in rainwater before it reaches the ground.
This process is known as carbonation. Materials like limestone get easily
dissolved (weathering) in such acid.
● Some minerals in the rock get dissolved in water. This process is known
as solution. Due to solution, alkalis in the rock dissolve and make them
brittle.
● The iron in the rock comes in contact with water and a chemical reaction
takes place between iron and Oxygen. This process is known as oxidation.
Oxidation leads to chemical weathering of rocks.
3. How does biological weathering occur?
● Biological weathering occurs because of human beings, animals and
plants.
● Trees grow in cracks and crevices of rocks of old forts or buildings. Roots
of trees grow bigger, they create tension in the rocks and start breaking
them.
● Rats, mice, rabbits, etc. make burrows in the ground. Ants make large
anthills, Because of the activities of these burrowing animals, biological
weathering of rocks occurs.
● Algae, moss, lichen and other flora grow in the rocks. They also help in
biological weathering.
4. Distinguish between weathering and mass wasting
Q6. FLOWCHART