Exam 6: Weathering, Soil, and Sedimentary Rocks

Explain why and give two examples of how climate is more effective in determining soil type than is parent rock type.

The chemical weathering process that produces most of the red, yellow, and brown colors seen in soils and many sedimentary rocks is called ____________________.

The two major types of sediments that may become sedimentary rocks are ____________________ and ____________________.

What processes lead to soil degradation?

Mechanical weathering produces no change in the chemical composition of the parent rock.

What factors led to the development of the Dust Bowl during the 1930s in the United States?

Chemical weathering is most effective when conditions are warm and arid.

Laterite soils are typical of rainforests.

What are the four major types of coal, and which is the most valuable?

Ancient current directions can be determined by:

Explain how fossils, and especially microfossils, can be used to help determine ancient depositional environments.

How does graded bedding form?

Frost wedging in the mountains produces talus.

What are some of the characteristics of sedimentary rocks that are used in determining the depositional environment represented by a facies?

List some ways in which organisms contribute to mechanical weathering.

Briefly explain how hydrolysis results in the weathering of some minerals along with an example.

Briefly explain how dolostone is formed.

The rocks on the bottom of a pile of sedimentary rocks are ____________________ in age than the rocks above them.

Briefly explain the sequence in which a soil develops.

Humus: