Question

Wearing away or breaking down or gradual disintegration of rocks by agents is called
A) weathering
B) denudation
C) deposition
D) transportation

Answer 1

Hint: Any naturally occurring solid mass or aggregation of minerals or mineraloid matter is referred to as a rock. It is classified according to the minerals it contains, its chemical composition, and how it is formed.

Complete answer:
Water, greenhouse gases, and biological organisms break down rocks, soils, and minerals, as well as wood and artificial materials, during weathering. It is primarily caused by water, but other factors such as atmospheric oxygen and carbon dioxide, as well as biological organisms' activities, play a role. Weathering is distinct from erosion, which involves the transport of rocks and minerals by agents such as ice, water, snow, wind, waves, and gravity.

Denudation refers to the excessive wear on the Earth's surface caused by moving water, ice, wind, and waves, resulting in a decrease in the elevation and relief of landforms and landscapes.

The deposition is a geological process that involves the addition of sediments, soil, and rocks to a landform or landmass. Wind, ice, water, and gravity carry previously weathered surface material, which is deposited when enough kinetic energy is lost in the fluid, forming sediment layers.

The passage of material around the Earth's surface by water, wind, ice, or gravity is known as transportation. The physical processes of traction, suspension, and saltation, as well as the chemical process of solution, are all included.

Thus the correct answer is option ‘A’.

Note: The mechanical breakdown of rocks and soils caused by fire, water, ice, or other agents is physical weathering. The chemical reaction of water, greenhouse gases, and naturally derived chemicals with rocks and soils is known as chemical weathering.