TEST OF PRACTICAL KNOWLEDGE QUESTION (a) Define weathering. (b) ldentiry three factors that affect weathering. (c) Describe the processes of exfoliation.

Answer Details

(a) Weathering is the natural process by which rocks and other geological materials are broken down into smaller pieces or altered in their composition due to exposure to various environmental factors over time.

(b) Three factors that affect weathering are:

1. Physical Factors: such as temperature changes, pressure changes, and abrasion.
2. Chemical Factors: such as water, acids, and oxidation.
3. Biological Factors: such as plant roots, burrowing animals, and microorganisms.

(c) Exfoliation is a type of physical weathering where rocks are broken down into thin layers or sheets due to changes in temperature. This happens because rocks expand when they are heated by the sun during the day and contract when they cool down at night. Over time, repeated cycles of heating and cooling cause the outer layers of the rock to crack and peel away, creating a layered structure. This process is also known as thermal stress weathering. Exfoliation is particularly common in desert environments where there are large temperature fluctuations between day and night.