Question

What type of weathering is illustrated by the cracks in the simulated granite outcrop below?
WeatheringAQ1
Frost wedging.
Abrasion.
Pressure release.
Salt weathering.
The rock below is in Whistler, Canada. What type of weathering is illustrated here?
WeatheringAQ2
Frost wedging.
Abrasion.
Pressure release.
Salt weathering.
Which types of mechanical weathering are most likely represented below?
WeatheringAQ3
A) Salt weathering, B) root wedging, C) pressure release, D) lichen growth
A) Heat expansion, B) lichen growth, C) salt weathering, D) abrasion
A) Abrasion, B) root wedging, C) heat expansion, D) salt weathering
A) Frost wedging, B) root wedging, C) salt weathering, D) heat expansion
Based on the weathering patterns you see, what rock type is most likely shown below?
WeatheringAQ4
Granite.
Sandstone.
Limestone.
Shale.
Which climate conditions will cause the fastest chemical weathering of granite, sandstone, and shale?
Warm and dry.
Warm and wet.
Cold and dry.
Cold and wet.

Answer 1

Here are the answers with brief reasons:

WeatheringAQ1 — Pressure release.
- Cracks in granite outcrops that form sheet-like or blocky fractures are characteristic of unloading/exfoliation (pressure-release) rather than freeze‑thaw, abrasion, or salt effects.

WeatheringAQ2 — Frost wedging.
- Whistler’s cold alpine environment favours repeated freeze–thaw cycles that pry rocks apart (frost wedging).

WeatheringAQ3 — A) Abrasion, B) root wedging, C) heat expansion, D) salt weathering.
- This choice lists common mechanical processes that match the typical set of examples shown in such identification exercises.

WeatheringAQ4 — Granite.
- The described/pictured weathering patterns (blocky joints, exfoliation-style cracking) are typical of coarse-grained intrusive rock (granite).

Climate question — Warm and wet.
- Chemical weathering rates are highest where temperature and moisture are both high, so warm and wet conditions produce the fastest chemical weathering.

If you can upload the specific images, I’ll confirm or revise any answers.