Question

Which of the following facts is incorrect about weathering?
A) It is a natural phenomenon.
B) The process involves chemical decomposition.
C) It involves mechanical disintegration.
D) It does not result in soil formation.

Answer 1

Weathering is the breakdown and decay of rocks in situ. This process is usually a slow process and can take hundreds of years, but it can also occur rapidly. It is different from erosion. Weathering does not have any moving agent for transport.

Complete answer:
Weathering is the first step in soil formation. The process of weathering is a natural phenomenon in which the surface minerals of the rock are broken down and loosened. The broken rocks are transported to a different place where they decompose and form soil. Hence weathering is important for soil formation. The breaking down process happens with very little to no movement. It breaks up the minerals present in the rocks, which provide important nutrients to the soil. Weathering is a natural phenomenon.

The two major types of weathering are chemical weathering and mechanical weathering. In chemical weathering, the chemicals get dissolved in water and percolate into the rock. This causes the rocks to break up.

In mechanical weathering, the rocks are broken up into small fragments by mechanical forces. It usually happens due to changes in the temperature which causes the rocks to expand and contract. It can also be caused by the roots of plants or trees.

So, the correct answer is an option ‘D’ i.e, It does not result in soil formation.

Note: Weathering occurs in four ways. They include chemical weathering, physical weathering, biological weathering, and mechanical weathering. In physical weathering, the rocks are fragmented into small parts while there is no change in their chemical makeup.