(a) What is rock weathering? (b) State four factors that affect formation of soil. (c) Explain briefly four types of chemical weathering.
Explanation
(a)Rock weathering is defined as the breaking down of rocks into tiny pieces to form soil.
(b) Four factors that affects the formation of soil are
(i) Parent material e.g granite will form sandy soil
(ii) Climate: Elements like temperature, water and wind help to break down rocks
(iii) Topography: Steep slopes increase the rat, break soil formation.
(iv) Living organisms or biotic factors: The influence or activities of plants and animals help to rock break down rocks.
(c) Four types of chemical weathering are:
(i) Solution: Water dissolves soluble
(ii) Oxidation: This is the reaction of oxygen with rocks resulting in disintegration
(iii) Carbonation: This involves the dissolution of carbon dioxide with rain water to form a weak carbonic acid. This acid can dissolve rocks
(iv) Hydration: This is the attachment of water with rock minerals which results in chemical alteration of the mineral