Geology 101—Lesson 4 AssignmentChapter 6We learned earlier that feldspars are the most common...

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Geology 101—Lesson 4 AssignmentChapter 6We learned earlier that feldspars are the most common minerals in Earth's crust. Why, then, is quartz the main constituent of sandy beaches? Consider both chemical and physical factors (of both minerals).	How can the Bowen's reaction series diagram be simply changed to show the relative stability of silicate minerals against chemical weathering?		In what type of climate would soil development (from bedrock) be most rapid? Explain your answer.		Why don't thick soils develop on steep slopes?		In what type of environment would frost wedging be most effective?		The textbook explains the connection between frost wedging and talus slopes. Which other landform illustrated in the chapter probably also develops in part from frost wedging?		Outdoors, what is the primary cause of weathering of marble tombstones? Explain.	Chapter 7	What is the "sediment" that becomes coal?		List three means or mediums of sediment transport.		List six types of sedimentary structures. What does the “chapter review” exercise in this lesson say about		structures?	Explain how detrital sediments become rocks. Be careful with this one. Focus on explaining how cementation (rather than compaction) works. (Don’t use the word		precipitation; find, from this lesson, the more appropriate word.)		In what type of environments will clay-size particles accumulate?		Deposits of windblown sand, such as desert dunes, are extremely well sorted. See if you can logically explain why this is so. (You’ll have to do some thinking; look ahead to chapter 19.)		What do organisms have to do with limestone?		Ancient sharks’ teeth occur in a particular sedimentary unit in North Dakota. What type of environment is suggested by this evidence?

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Geology 101—Lesson 4 Assignment 
 
Chapter 6 
Question 1: We learned earlier that feldspars are the most common minerals in Earth's 
crust.  Why, then, is quartz the main constituent of sandy beaches? Consider both 
chemical and physical factors (of both minerals). 
Answer: The major component of sand is silicon dioxide known as quartz. The Earth's 
landmasses are comprised of rocks and minerals, including quartz, feldspar and mica. 
Physical factors like rain, wind and solidification have major effects on these minerals which 
is called weathering. Weathering, of these, for example, wind, rain and solidifying/defrosting 
cycles — break these stones and minerals into smaller grains. But some different minerals 
like quartz is hard, insoluble in water and doesn't decay effectively from the weathering 
forms. Streams, waterways and wind transport quartz particles to the seashore, where the 
quartz aggregates as light-colored beach sand. Chemical factors like reaction with acids and 
other minerals do not effect quartz as it is chemically stable as compared to feldspars.[1]  
Question 1.1: How can the Bowen's reaction series diagram be simply changed to show 
the relative stability of silicate minerals against chemical weathering? 
Answer: This is the Goldich Stability Series - flip Bowen's reaction series diagram upside 
down and vola` you have the Stability arrangement running most stable to lesser stable. On 
the other hand basically go to Olivine and mark LEAST stable then to quartz and mark 
MOST steady and you have both Bowen and Goldich together. 
Question 1.2: In what type of climate would soil development (from bedrock) be most 
rapid?  Explain your answer. 
Answer: Tropical rain forest where climate is hot and humid. Weathering is faster when 
the temperature is high and chemical reaction takes place faster to break the rocks in the 
presence of humidity. 
Question 1.3: Why don't thick soils develop on steep slopes? 
Answer: Topography besides climate can have an effect on the amount of soil present in 
that area. The soil is washed away on steep slopes and is accumulated in plains. 
Question 1.4: In what type of environment would frost wedging be most effective? 
Answer:

Geology 101—Lesson 4 Assignment Chapter 6 We learned earlier that feldspars are the most common minerals in Earth's crust. Why, then, is quartz the main constituent of sandy beaches? Consider both...

Answer To: Geology 101—Lesson 4 Assignment Chapter 6 We learned earlier that feldspars are the most common...

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