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Question
Read the following statements (i - iv) and select the correct statements related to the process of weathering.
(i) Rate of weathering is determined by the climatic conditions of a given place.
(ii) Water from plants is absorbed by minerals in rock and they are weathered due to expansion and contraction.
(iii) The roots of plants which grow nearby penetrate the rocks and crack them.
(iv) Stress caused due to crystallisation of salts on rock surface causes weathering of rock.
Read the following statements (i - iv) and select the correct statements related to the process of weathering.
(i) Rate of weathering is determined by the climatic conditions of a given place.
(ii) Water from plants is absorbed by minerals in rock and they are weathered due to expansion and contraction.
(iii) The roots of plants which grow nearby penetrate the rocks and crack them.
(iv) Stress caused due to crystallisation of salts on rock surface causes weathering of rock.
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Solution
The correct option is C (i) and (iii)
A rock is a naturally occurring solid made of minerals (which are crystalline), or other mineral-like substances. Over a period of time, the rocks break and disintegrate into many pieces. This process, called weathering, is the first step in soil formation.
The nature and property of the soil depends on the weathering of rocks, climate and how the soil is formed. The rate of weathering is affected by the climate. High temperature and greater rainfall increase the rate weathering. Moreover, rocks in tropical regions when exposed to abundant rainfall and hot temperatures weather much faster as they develop cracks quickly than similar rocks present in cold and dry regions. Therefore, statement (i) is correct.
Minerals in the rock do not absorb water from the roots of plants, instead the roots of plants absorb water and minerals present in the cracks of the rocks which helps them to grow and it also helps in weathering of rocks. Therefore, statement (ii) is incorrect.
Tiny plants may sprout up in and around broken rocks. These sprouts turn into bigger plants. As they grow bigger, their roots start penetrating the rock, particularly in weak spots or joints. As the roots penetrate, they cause the cracks in the rocks to widen and eventually, the rock splits. Therefore, statement (iii) is correct.
Figure : Roots penetrating the rock
Salt crystallisation is a major cause of weathering of rocks. Salts can crystallise in the spaces present in rock. Damage can only occur if crystals continue to grow within the pore space of the rock not on the surface of the rock, thus generating mechanical stress. Therefore, statement (iv) is incorrect.
A rock is a naturally occurring solid made of minerals (which are crystalline), or other mineral-like substances. Over a period of time, the rocks break and disintegrate into many pieces. This process, called weathering, is the first step in soil formation.
The nature and property of the soil depends on the weathering of rocks, climate and how the soil is formed. The rate of weathering is affected by the climate. High temperature and greater rainfall increase the rate weathering. Moreover, rocks in tropical regions when exposed to abundant rainfall and hot temperatures weather much faster as they develop cracks quickly than similar rocks present in cold and dry regions. Therefore, statement (i) is correct.
Minerals in the rock do not absorb water from the roots of plants, instead the roots of plants absorb water and minerals present in the cracks of the rocks which helps them to grow and it also helps in weathering of rocks. Therefore, statement (ii) is incorrect.
Tiny plants may sprout up in and around broken rocks. These sprouts turn into bigger plants. As they grow bigger, their roots start penetrating the rock, particularly in weak spots or joints. As the roots penetrate, they cause the cracks in the rocks to widen and eventually, the rock splits. Therefore, statement (iii) is correct.
Figure : Roots penetrating the rockSalt crystallisation is a major cause of weathering of rocks. Salts can crystallise in the spaces present in rock. Damage can only occur if crystals continue to grow within the pore space of the rock not on the surface of the rock, thus generating mechanical stress. Therefore, statement (iv) is incorrect.
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