Question

how does weathering vary according to climate?
what are five factors affecting soil composition?
3.) main ideas: please read the chapter and answer each question below.
a. what is the difference between mechanical weathering and chemical weathering?
b. what are three types of eroding action by water?
c. what factors contribute to soil fertility?
4.) geographic thinking: please read the chapter and answer each question below.

1. making inferences: in what ways does erosion affect the lives of humans?

think about:

• water, wind, and glacial action
• results of erosion

Explanation:

1. Weathering varies with climate as different climates have distinct temperatures, precipitation levels and humidity which affect the rate and type of weathering. For example, in wet - warm climates, chemical weathering is more prevalent due to the presence of water and heat facilitating chemical reactions.
2. Five factors affecting soil composition are parent material (the rock or sediment from which the soil forms), climate (affecting weathering and organic matter decomposition), living organisms (plants, animals, and microorganisms), topography (slope, aspect etc. influencing water runoff and soil erosion), and time (the longer the soil has been forming, the more developed it becomes).

3a. Mechanical weathering breaks rocks into smaller pieces without changing their chemical composition, through processes like frost - wedging, abrasion etc. Chemical weathering changes the chemical makeup of rocks, for example, through oxidation or dissolution in acidic rain.
3b. Three types of eroding action by water are sheet erosion (thin layers of soil are removed by overland flow), rill erosion (small channels form), and gully erosion (large, deep channels are created).
3c. Factors contributing to soil fertility include organic matter (provides nutrients and improves soil structure), soil pH (affects nutrient availability), soil texture (influences water - holding capacity and aeration), presence of nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium etc.), and soil organisms (which help in nutrient cycling).

1. Erosion affects human lives in many ways. Water erosion can lead to loss of fertile top - soil, reducing agricultural productivity. Wind erosion can cause dust storms, which are harmful to human health and can damage infrastructure. Glacial erosion can reshape landscapes, affecting water availability and transportation routes. The results of erosion such as sedimentation in rivers and lakes can disrupt aquatic ecosystems and water supply systems.

Answer:

1. Weathering varies with climate based on temperature, precipitation and humidity which influence rate and type of weathering.
2. Parent material, climate, living organisms, topography, time.

3a. Mechanical: breaks rocks physically; Chemical: changes rock's chemical makeup.
3b. Sheet erosion, rill erosion, gully erosion.
3c. Organic matter, soil pH, soil texture, nutrients, soil organisms.

1. Reduces agricultural productivity, harms health, damages infrastructure, disrupts ecosystems and water supply.