4. Identify the type of weathering from the
given description
(a) Some animals live inside the grounds
by making burrows
(b) The rock rusts
(e) Water which has accumulated in the
crevices of the rocks freezes
Consequently, the rock breaks
(d) The pipes supplying water in colder
regions break
(e) Sand formation occurs in deserts
Answers
Answer:
a: It is called Biological weathering. Biological weathering is a form of both physical and chemical weathering wherein living organisms directly and indirectly cause the decomposition of rock and other materials. Common inducers of biological weathering include animals, plants, and strange organisms called lichens.
Answer b: The rock rusts due to oxidation. An oxidation process occurs in rocks, which have iron present in them. The iron in the rock comes in contact with water and chemical reaction takes place between iron and oxygen. Hence, a reddish coloured layer forms on the rocks. This is called rust.
Answer c: Water, which has accumulated in the crevices of the rocks freezes. Consequently, the rock breaks. It happens due to the action of frost. We know that the volume of the water increases when it freezes. In areas where the temperatures drop below 0o C for quite some time, the water accumulated in the cracks and crevices in the rocks freezes. Its volume increases. This leads to tension in the rocks and they shatter.
Answer d: The pipes supplying water in the colder regions break because of action of frost. In winter the pipes for water supply break or even rocks crack because at temperatures below freezing the water expands. When the water resource expands on freezing it bursts. The water escapes and this can cause serious damage and adverse reactions. This is commonly seen during extreme winters, especially in freezing temperatures.
Answer e: Due to action of temperature sand formation occurs in the deserts. Deserts are formed by weathering processes as large variations in temperature between day and night put strains on the rocks, which consequently break in pieces.