Which term describes the natural breakdown of rocks into smaller pieces?

Which term describes the natural breakdown of rocks into smaller pieces?

• A. Windbreak
• B. Water Tower
• C. Weathering
• D. Weed

Answer: (C)

The concept being tested is weathering. Weathering is the natural process that breaks rocks into smaller pieces at or near the Earth’s surface. It happens through physical forces like freezing and thawing, abrasion, and root growth; chemical reactions with water and gases that dissolve or alter minerals; and biological activity from organisms. The important point is that weathering happens in place and reduces rock size, often changing its composition gradually. The pieces produced may then be moved away later by erosion or other processes. Other options aren’t about breaking rocks down. A windbreak is a row of trees planted to slow wind and protect crops. A water tower is a storage structure for water. A weed is a plant that grows where it’s not wanted.

The concept being tested is weathering. Weathering is the natural process that breaks rocks into smaller pieces at or near the Earth’s surface. It happens through physical forces like freezing and thawing, abrasion, and root growth; chemical reactions with water and gases that dissolve or alter minerals; and biological activity from organisms. The important point is that weathering happens in place and reduces rock size, often changing its composition gradually. The pieces produced may then be moved away later by erosion or other processes.

Other options aren’t about breaking rocks down. A windbreak is a row of trees planted to slow wind and protect crops. A water tower is a storage structure for water. A weed is a plant that grows where it’s not wanted.