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Types of Weathering Explained

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Types of Weathering Explained

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📚 Part 1: Multiple Choice

1. What is weathering?

The breaking down or changing of rock at Earth's surface

The movement of soil and rock from one place to another

The sudden eruption of molten rock

The building of mountains by tectonic plates

2. Which is an example of mechanical (physical) weathering?

Frost wedging (freeze–thaw breaks rock apart)

Rusting of iron in rock

Acid rain dissolving limestone

Chemical reactions changing minerals

3. Which process is a type of chemical weathering?

Oxidation (rock minerals reacting with oxygen)

Abrasion by sand and wind

Pressure release causing cracks

Freezing water expanding in a crack

4. Check all that apply: Which are examples of biological weathering?

Plant roots growing into rock and splitting it

Lichens producing acids that dissolve rock

Wind blowing sand that wears rock away

Acid rain from air pollution

✏️ Part 2: Short Answers & Activities

5. Match the type of weathering (A–C) with the correct description (1–3).
A. Mechanical (physical) weathering
B. Chemical weathering
C. Biological weathering
1. Minerals in rock change because of acids, water or oxygen
2. Rock is broken by freeze–thaw, temperature changes or abrasion
3. Living organisms (plants, animals, microbes) break or change rock
6. In one sentence, explain the main difference between mechanical and chemical weathering:
7. Give a New Zealand example (place or landscape) where weathering is visible and name the type of weathering:
8. Draw a simple labelled diagram showing frost wedging (freeze–thaw) acting on a rock:

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