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5: Weathering and Soil (Exercises)

  • Page ID
    2044
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    Q5.1 Mechanical weathering

    See below

    ex5-1-300x138.png

    Examples of mechanical weathering [SE]

    Q5.2 Chemical weathering

    Chemical change Process
    Pyrite to hematite oxidation
    Calcite to calcium and bicarbonate ions dissolution
    Feldspar to clay hydrolysis
    Olivine to serpentine hydrolysis
    Pyroxene to iron oxide oxidation

    Q5.3 Describe the weathering origins of sands

    Sand description Possible processes
    Fragments of coral etc. from a shallow water area near to a reef in Belize Reefs are constantly being eroded by ocean waves, and the fragments are washed inshore by currents and then further eroded by wave action.
    Angular quartz and rock fragments from a glacial stream deposit near Osoyoos Quartz-bearing rocks have been eroded and transported by a glacier. The fragments may have been moved a short distance by a stream, but not enough to produce rounding.
    Rounded grains of olivine and volcanic glass from a beach in Hawaii The olivine and glass grains are eroded by waves from volcanic rock and then thoroughly rounded by waves on the beach

    Q5.4 The soils of Canada

    Soil type Distribution Explanation
    Chernozem Southern prairies These are dry-climate soils developed on grasslands
    Luvisol Northern prairies and BC interior Soils developed on sedimentary rocks in cool moist climates
    Podsol Mountainous parts of BC and large parts of northern Ontario and Quebec Areas with coniferous forests and moderate climates
    Brunisol Boreal forest regions Cold forested regions with discontinuous permafrost
    Organic Hudson Bay and James Bay lowlands Wetland areas with widespread swamps

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