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Types of Weathering Explained
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Types of Weathering Explained
📚 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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