Question

Given below are two statements
Statement I: Chemical weathering involves with disintegration and decomposition of minerals
Statement II: Biological weathering accelerates physical and chemical weathering
In light of the above statements, choose the correct answer from the options given below

• A. Both Statement I and Statement II are true
• B. Both Statement I and Statement II are false
• C. Statement I is true but Statement II is false
• D. Statement I is false but Statement II is true

Hint:

Weathering is a "Team Effort."
Physical = Breaking (Hammer).
Chemical = Changing (Acid).
Biological = Using roots (Hammer) and acids (Acid).
They all work together simultaneously in nature.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the Question:
This question tests the fundamental definitions and interactions of different types of weathering processes that transform rock into soil.
Detailed Explanation:

• Evaluating Statement I (True):
Weathering is the breakdown of rocks at the earth's surface.
Chemical weathering involves chemical changes that lead to the decomposition of the original minerals into new substances (like clay).
As minerals are chemically altered, their internal structure weakens, which inevitably leads to the disintegration (breaking apart) of the rock mass. Thus, chemical processes facilitate physical breakdown.

• Evaluating Statement II (True):
Biological weathering is the breakdown of rocks by living organisms.
- Physical acceleration: Tree roots grow into cracks and exert immense pressure, wedging rocks apart.
- Chemical acceleration: Lichens and mosses produce organic acids (like oxalic acid) that dissolve minerals. Microbes produce \( CO_2 \), which forms carbonic acid in soil water, speeding up chemical decomposition.
Therefore, biological agents act as catalysts for both physical and chemical weathering.

• Conclusion:
Both statements are conceptually sound and represent the integrated nature of soil-forming processes (Pedogenesis).

Step 2: Final Answer:
Both Statement I and Statement II are true.