Weathering and Soil Formation - Study Guide
Weathering and Soil Formation - Study Guide
Assessment
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.
Original content Copyright © by Holt, Rinehart and Winston. All rights reserved.
Holt Science and Technology 1 Weathering and Soil Formation
Name Class Date
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
Original content Copyright © by Holt, Rinehart and Winston. All rights reserved.
Holt Science and Technology 51 Weathering and Soil Formation
MATCHING
Match the correct description with the correct term. Write the letter in the space
provided.
a. arctic
b. temperate forest and grassland
c. desert
d. tropical rain forest