What can happen if rocks are not weathered in the context of the movement of Earth's materials?

Correct option is C

Correct Answer: (c) Erosion would be insignificant

Explanation:

• Weathering is the process of breaking down rocks into smaller particles like soil and sediments.
• If rocks are not weathered, loose materials needed for erosion will not form.
• As a result, erosion (movement of broken materials by wind, water, ice, etc.) would be insignificant, since erosion depends on pre-existing weathered materials.

Information Booster:

• Weathering is a static process, while erosion involves movement.
• Types of weathering: physical (mechanical), chemical, and biological.
• Weathering creates soil, regulates carbon dioxide, and supports life.
• Without weathering, landscapes would remain rocky and infertile.
• Soil formation is a direct outcome of prolonged weathering.

Additional Knowledge:

• Mass movement would be more frequent (A): Mass movement requires weathered material; without it, frequency reduces.
• Soil fertility would improve (B): Fertility would not improve; instead, soil would not form properly.
• Erosion would increase (D): Incorrect, as erosion decreases without weathered material to move.