Name Class Date
Assessment
Weathering and Soil Formation- Study Guide
Weathering and Soil Formation
multiple choice
Write the letter of the correct answer in the space provided.
1. Ice, wind, water, gravity, plants, and animals are all agents of
a. differential weathering.
b. mechanical weathering.
c. oxidation.
d. desertification.
2. If you drop a sugar cube into a glass of water, the sugar cube will dissolve after a few minutes. This process is an example of
a. chemical weathering.
b. differential weathering.
c. mechanical weathering.
d. infiltration.
3. The term for the arrangement of soil particles is
a. soil texture.
b. soil quality.
c. soil structure.
d. soil fertility.
4. If you increase the surface area of a rock, how will it affect the rate at which it weathers?
a. It will weather more quickly.
b. It will have no effect because surface area is not a factor in weathering.
c. It will weather more slowly.
d. It will have no effect because a rock does not have a surface area.
5. The proportion of different-sized particles in soil determines the soil’s
a. texture. c. structure.
b. fertility. d. horizon.
6. The removal of substances that can be dissolved from rock or layers of soil due to the passing of water is called
a. land degradation.
b. erosion.
c. infiltration.
d. leaching.
Chapter Test A continued
7. What is it called when wind blows sand and silt against exposed rock, eventually wearing away the rock’s surface?
a. erosion
b. abrasion
c. chemical weathering
d. oxidation
8. When oxygen in the air reacts with iron, the result is
a. abrasion.
b. differential weathering.
c. oxidation.
d. infiltration.
9. Mechanical weathering occurs at a greater rate in climates that are
a. cold and wet.
b. warm and wet.
c. hot and dry.
d. cold and dry.
10. Which of the following is NOT a benefit provided by soil?
a. provides minerals and nutrients for plants
b. allows for water storage for plants
c. provides a habitat for animals
d. can be blown or washed away from its parent rock
11. Which soil conservation technique prevents erosion on steep hills by heavy rains?
a. contour plowing
b. terracing
c. no-till farming
d. cover crop
12. Which soil conservation technique prevents erosion by providing cover that reduces water runoff?
a. contour plowing c. no-till farming
b. terracing d. cover crop
13. Which soil conservation technique helps restore nutrients to the soil?
a. contour plowing
b. terracing
c. no-till farming
d. cover crop
14. Which soil conservation technique helps prevent erosion of sloping hills by heavy rains?
a. contour plowing c. no-till farming
b. terracing d. cover crop
Chapter Test A continued
matching
Match the correct description with the correct term. Write the letter in the space provided.
15. rain, sleet, or snow that contains a high concentration of acids
16. the process by which softer, less weather-resistant rocks wear away and leave harder, more weather-resistant rocks behind
17. the dark, organic material formed in soil from the decayed remains of plants and animals
18. the layer of rock beneath soil
19. a method to maintain the fertility of the soil by protecting the soil from erosion and nutrient loss WSFs4
20. the process by which wind, water, or gravity transports soil and sediment from one location to another
Match the correct description with the correct term. Write the letter in the space provided.
21. These areas get some water from under the ground, but when it evaporates it leaves behind salts that can kill plants.
22. Low soil temperatures and little rain cause soil formation to occur slowly. Because of the temperature, decomposition of plants and animals occurs slowly or stops, limiting the amount of humus in the soil.
23. The heavy rain leaches nutrients from the topsoil. Crops can be grown year round because of the warm soil temperature, so plants are using nutrients from the soil year-round.
24. Frequent changes in temperature in this climate lead to frost action, which allows thick, fertile soil to develop. The soils in this climate are some of the most productive in the world.
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Holt Science and Technology 50 Weathering and Soil Formation