Directions: Follow the instructions to go through the simulation. Respond to the questions and
prompts in the orange boxes.
Vocabulary: abrasion, chemical weathering, clay formation, climate, dissolving, frost wedging, granite,
limestone, mechanical weathering, rusting, sandstone, shale, weather...
Student Exploration: Weathering
Directions: Follow the instructions to go through the simulation. Respond to the questions and
prompts in the orange boxes.
Vocabulary: abrasion, chemical weathering, clay formation, climate, dissolving, frost wedging, granite,
limestone, mechanical weathering, rusting, sandstone, shale, weathering
Prior Knowledge Questions (Do these BEFORE using the Gizmo.)
Compare the two pictures at right. Both pictures show the same kind of
rock, granite.
1. Which rock do you think has been exposed on Earth’s
surface longer?
B
2. Why do you think so?
I think rock B has been exposed on Earth’s surface longer
because the rock is more rounded and has worn out
edges.
Gizmo Warm-up
When rocks are exposed on Earth’s surface, they are gradually broken
down into soil by the actions of rain, ice, wind, and living organisms. This
process is called weathering. In the Weathering Gizmo, you will explore
how weathering takes place.
To begin, select the SIMULATION tab. Notice the selected Rock type is
Granite, a hard, dense rock.
1. Click Play ( ). Wait for about 5,000 simulated years, and click Pause ( ). W hat do you notice?
No change/ 460
No visual changes; 460
2. Click Fastplay ( ). Wait for about 50,000 simulated years. What do you notice?
3. Based on your observations, is weathering a fast or slow process?
Slow process
, Activity A: Get the Gizmo ready:
● Select the ANIMATION tab. Check that Frost
Types of weathering wedging is selected.
Introduction: Mechanical weathering occurs when rocks are physically broken or worn down. Chemical
weathering occurs when the minerals in the rock are changed by chemical reactions.
Question: What are the most common ways in which weathering occurs?
1. Observe: Read the text about frost wedging, then click Play.
A. In the process of frost wedging, how does ice cause cracks in rocks to become larger?
When water becomes ice, it expands and cracks the rocks
B. Is frost wedging more important in a warm or a cold climate?
Frost wedging is more important in a cold climate
2. Observe: Read about and look at the animations for the other major types of weathering: Abrasion,
Pressure release, Dissolving, Clay formation, and Rusting.
A. What are three different ways that rocks can be worn down by abrasion?
Some ways rocks can be worn down by abrasion are if small rocks or stones are
dragged by glaciers, animals walking on it, and sand is carried by wind
B. How can a large block of granite form layers like an onion?
Granite is under less pressure when exposed at the surface than when it is beneath
Earth. So, when the pressure is released, the rock expands and it cracks and forms
layers.
C. What type of rock is affected by dissolving, and what features result?
Limestone is affected by dissolving when rain is combined with carbon dioxide. This
results in caves or sinkholes.
D. How does clay formation affect a rock?
When clay absorbs water, it expands. The rock will crumble into clay because of the
water.
E. Which part of a rock will undergo rusting?
The iron in a rock will rust
3. Fill in: Scientists use the terms “oxidation,” “carbonation,” “hydrolysis,” and “exfoliation” for different types of
weathering. Fill in each blank with the appropriate term.
Stuvia customers have reviewed more than 700,000 summaries. This how you know that you are buying the best documents.
Quick and easy check-out
You can quickly pay through credit card or Stuvia-credit for the summaries. There is no membership needed.
Focus on what matters
Your fellow students write the study notes themselves, which is why the documents are always reliable and up-to-date. This ensures you quickly get to the core!
Frequently asked questions
What do I get when I buy this document?
You get a PDF, available immediately after your purchase. The purchased document is accessible anytime, anywhere and indefinitely through your profile.
Satisfaction guarantee: how does it work?
Our satisfaction guarantee ensures that you always find a study document that suits you well. You fill out a form, and our customer service team takes care of the rest.
Who am I buying these notes from?
Stuvia is a marketplace, so you are not buying this document from us, but from seller Examhack. Stuvia facilitates payment to the seller.
Will I be stuck with a subscription?
No, you only buy these notes for $15.49. You're not tied to anything after your purchase.
