Log out Go to App
Go to App

Learning Materials

Features

Discover

Chapter 13: Problem 10

Describe weathering processes operating on an open expanse of bedrock. How does regolith develop? How is sediment derived?

Short Answer

Expert verified
Weathering processes on bedrock mainly include physical and chemical weathering. Regolith develops as an outcome of the weathering of bedrock and comprises dust, soil, and broken-down rock. Sediment is derived from weathered and eroded material that has been transported and deposited.

Step by step solution

01

Identification of Weathering Processes

There are several weathering processes that operate on an open expanse of bedrock. The major ones include physical weathering and chemical weathering. Under physical (or mechanical) weathering, we have freeze-thaw (where water gets into rock cracks, freezes and expands, thus breaking the rock), salt crystal growth, and biological activity (roots of plants breaking rocks). In chemical weathering, we have processes such as oxidation, hydration and carbonation where rocks are broken down through reactions with substances in the environment.
02

Understanding the Development of Regolith

Regolith is a layer of loose, heterogeneous material covering solid rock. It includes dust, soil, broken rock, and other related materials and is present on Earth, the Moon, Mars, some asteroids, and other terrestrial planets and moons. This layer forms as a result of the weathering of bedrock, with the accumulation and breaking down of materials through erosion, transportation, and deposition.
03

Explaining the Derivation of Sediment

Sediment is typically derived from the process of weathering and erosion. As rock breaks down, the resultant material is transported by agents of erosion such as water, wind or ice. This transported material, when deposited, is known as sediment. Sediment can further be transported and deposited across different landscape elements, contributing to landform development and dynamics.

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

  • Full Textbook Solutions

    Get detailed explanations and key concepts

  • Unlimited Al creation

    Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...

  • Ads-free access

    To over 500 millions flashcards

  • Money-back guarantee

    We refund you if you fail your exam.

Start your free trial

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with Vaia!

One App. One Place for Learning.

All the tools & learning materials you need for study success - in one app.

Get started for free

Most popular questions from this chapter

What are some of the unique erosional and depositional features you find in a limestone cavern?

What is chemical weathering? Contrast this set of processes to physical weathering.

With what kind of minerals do carbon compounds react, and under what circumstances does the dissolution of carbonate minerals occur? What is this weathering process called?

What weathering processes produce a granite dome? Describe the sequence of events.

Describe the relationship between mesoscale climatic conditions and rates of weathering activities. At microscale levels, describe weathering processes.
See all solutions

Recommended explanations on Geography Textbooks

Geographical Skills

Read Explanation

Regenerating Places

Read Explanation

Health And Human Rights

Read Explanation

Sustainable Urban Development

Read Explanation

Challenges In The Human Environment

Read Explanation

Glaciated Landscapes

Read Explanation
View all explanations

What do you think about this solution?

We value your feedback to improve our textbook solutions.

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.

Sign-up for free