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Question

Difficulty: EasyWeathering and Mass Wasting Processes

Which of the following processes describes the breakdown and decay of rocks in situ without involving the active removal or transport of the weathered material?

  1. WeatheringAnswer
  2. B
    Mass wasting
  3. C
    Metamorphism
  4. D
    Deposition

Answer

Weathering is the correct process, as it refers specifically to the in-situ breakdown of rocks without transportation.
Weathering specifically denotes the mechanical disintegration or chemical decomposition of rocks in place (in situ) at or near the Earth's surface, without any major transportation of the fragments.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the key defining characteristic in the question stem
The core phrase is 'in situ', meaning the process occurs in place without movement of the material.
Geomorphological processes are primarily distinguished by whether material is moved during the process.
2
Compare geomorphic process definitions
Weathering strictly operates in situ, whereas mass wasting involves gravity-driven downslope displacement, and deposition involves accumulation after transport.
Matching the process definition to in-situ rock breakdown leads directly to weathering.

Key Concept

In-situ rock breakdown (Weathering vs. Mass Wasting)
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Topics

Weathering and Mass Wasting Processes

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