EARTH SCIENCE

SECOND QUARTER
11
Module 1

WEATHERING OF ROCKS AND EARTH’S

INTERIOR

Most Essential Learning Competency: Describe how rocks

undergo weathering (S11ES-IIa-22), and Explain why the
Earth’s interior is hot (S11ES-IIb-c-23).
 To the Learners
Before starting this module, I want you to divert your commitment and
attention in accomplishing this module while having fun. As general guide in
utilizing this module, carefully read the set of instructions listed below for you
to be guided on how to successfully attain the objectives of this kit.

1. Read and carefully follow all the guidelines, contents, procedures, and
instructions indicated in every page of this module.

2. This module provides provisions where you can write your answers.

3. Write key concepts and notable ideas you will encounter while using this
module on your notebook to enhance your acquisition of key concept from each
lesson.

4. Perform and accomplish all the learning tasks and activities in the module.

5. Coordinate with your teacher for clarifications, misconceptions and

elaboration of the lessons and learning tasks.

6. Enjoy while utilizing this module and have fun learning!

Expectations

In this module, you will investigate how rocks are broken down into
smaller pieces and explain why Earth’s interior is hot.

Specifically, this module will help you to:

1. Identify the factors which contributes to rock weathering;

2. Describe how rocks undergoes weathering process; and
3. Identify the sources of Earth’s internal heat; namely, radiogenic heat
and primordial heat.

1
 Pretest
Directions: Read and analyze each question carefully. Write the letter of the
correct answer on your answer sheet.

1. Which among the following chemical weathering processes is involve in

rusting?

A. dissolution C. oxidation

B. hydrolysis D. pressure-release fracturing

2. Which among the following elements is NOT an agent of erosion?

A. glacier B. gravity C. rocks D. wind

3. What type of weathering occurred during the process stalactites and

stalagmites formation?

A. chemical weathering C. mechanical weathering

B. freezing and thawing D. thermal and pressure change

4. Which of the following is true about convection current and its effect on land
masses on Earth’s surface?

A. Heat tries to escape in the interior of the earth.

B. Collision and separation of tectonic plates happens due to the slow

motion of convection cells.

C. When warm material in the mantle rises up to the surface (ground), it

will cool and sinks, these cooled materials will eventually be turned into
landmass.

D. All of the above

5. Which of the following layers of the earth stores magma and located in a
region just beneath the crust all the way to the core?

A. crust B. outer core C. inner core D. mantle

2
 Looking Back

Directions: Based on our previous lesson, rearrange the jumbled letters and
explain the word being portrayed by each item.

A H T E

K O R C

E I G N O S U

E I M N D S E T S

A M G A A

S F I L S O

Brief Introduction

Weathering of Rocks

Weathering refers to the process of decomposition and disintegration of

rocks. This involves the process of breaking down of large masses of rocks into
smaller particles such as pebbles, sand, clay, gravel, smaller rock fragments and
even dust. Weathering can be classified into mechanical and chemical
weathering.

Mechanical Weathering

This is also known as physical weathering which involves the breakdown

of rocks into smaller particles without changing its chemical composition and
molecular structure. Thus, only the size and shape of the rock is being altered
in this type of weathering.

3
 Factors of Mechanical Weathering

Pressure. Due to Earth’s gravitational force and temperature, rocks such as

granite ascends to the ground, cools down, expands and became
brittle causing fractures.

Temperature. Both high and low temperature causes rock to expand, shrink
and develops fractures.

Frost wedging. Ice formed due to accumulated water on a rock’s fracture results
to the expansion of fracture and at times breaks the rock into smaller
pieces.

Abrasion. Rocks often breaks down into smaller pieces due to impact and friction
with other rocks and solid matter around it.

Organic activity. Growing and expanding root system of

SRqy1eNwXDyUNDmCjhK&ust=1592061003764000&sour
https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fsli
deplayer.com%2Fslide%2F267237%2F&psig=AOvVaw0dy
a plant can penetrate rock fractures causing
cracks, fractures and breakage.

Human Activity. Digging for agricultural purposes,

quarrying rocks from field, denuding forests
and cultivating land contribute to physical
weathering of rocks.

Burrowing animals. Rodents such as rats, hares, rabbits

and other small animals which burrows and
excavates the ground for shelter and food also
causes rocks to break into particles.

Factors of Chemical Weathering

Dissolution. Minerals dissolving in water may form (stalactites and stalagmites

in caves) or cause some rocks to break down (Halite and Calcite).

Hydrolysis. Rock-forming minerals like amphibole, pyroxene, and feldspar react

with water and form different kinds of clay minerals.

Oxidation. Breaking down of rocks into smaller particles due to its exposure to
oxygen which causes decomposition (rusting).

4
 Earth’s Internal Heat

Thermal energy is vital in sustaining our survival in our planet. It is

considered as one of the necessities for life to strive on Earth making it habitable
for us.

Heat source in our planet can be categorized as to primordial or radiogenic

heat sources. The inherent heat of our planet during its formation stage up to
present is known as primordial heat. Accretional heat energy or the heat energy
deposited during the earth’s formation is stored in Earth’s core greatly
contributed to primordial heat of our planet. In addition, primordial heat
constantly looses its heat overtime to the outer silicate layer of the mantle and
crust of the earth through convection current. Lastly, heat coming from the core
takes tens of thousands of years to reach the earth’s surface leaving us cold and
rigid rock on earth’s crust while hot and liquified metal on its inner core.

On the other hand, radiogenic heat is caused by spontaneous nuclear

reaction happening inside the earth due to continuous radioactive decay of
elements such as uranium, thorium, plutonium etc. on earth’s mantle and crust.

Sources of Heat and Heat Transfer

Conduction happens throughout Earth’s solid portion particularly in

lithosphere. In addition, this type of heat transfer involves collision between 2
atoms or particles or molecules. Lastly, conduction allows the heat coming from
the Earth's core is transferred to Earth’s surface.

Convection happens between fluid materials such as molten rock

underneath the Earth’s surface particularly in the fluid outer core and the
mantle. In convection current, the mantle of the earth moves slowly because of
transfer of heat from the interior of the earth up to the surface which causes
tectonic plates to move.

Radiation happens between the earth and sun which is responsible for
Earth’s temperature. On the other hand, inside the Earth, radiation is significant
only in the hottest parts of the core and the lower mantle.

5
 Activity 1
Term Factory

Directions: Supply each number with the correct word/words to complete the
concept being portrayed by each item.

1. ______________ refers to the process of breaking down of rocks either physically

or chemically.

2. ______________ refers to the breakdown of rocks into smaller pieces without

any change in its composition and molecular structure.
3. ______________ refers to the response of decomposition of rocks and minerals
due to oxygen exposure.
4. ______________ refers to the breakdown of rocks caused by impact and friction
with other solid materials.
5. ______________ refers to the breakdown of rocks into smaller pieces wherein
its composition and molecular structure is altered.

Activity 2
Let’s Think Critical with Earth’s Interior

Directions: Based on your understanding of the lesson, answer the following

critical questions about Earth’s internal temperature.

1. How the convection current affects the movement of tectonic plates?

_____________________________________________________________________

2. How convection in earth’s interior and conduction in the surface affect the
temperature in our atmosphere?
_____________________________________________________________________

3. How subduction cause the formation of land mass like mountains and
volcano?
_____________________________________________________________________

4. Why does earthquake occur in subduction zone? (The area where

subduction occur)
_____________________________________________________________________

6
 Activity 3

Word Puzzle

Directions. Identify the words listed below and explain each of the term based
on your understanding of the lesson.

EARTH TECTONIC RADIATION HEAT

CONVECTION PRIMODIAL CONDUCTION RADIOGENIC
MANTLE CRUST

A E C O N V E C T I O N T H C
G A F G C O I U R G A D E G B
P R I M O R D I A L Z V C S T
G T N H N L H A D G S Y T C E
H H B T D O T D I H F D O G R
J E G R U P F F A S M S N E S
N A A E C R U S T V N A I A A
B T D A T J S S I S O V C C D
D F T B I F R C O W I G H F O
E G G N O B F G N C H R F T I
T H M A N T L E H E G X E I H

Remember
➢ Chemical weathering can be caused by dissolution, hydrolysis, and
oxidation.
➢ Heat source in our planet can be categorized as to primordial or radiogenic
heat sources.
➢ Heat in our planet can be transferred through conduction, convection
and radiation.
➢ Mechanical weathering can be due to pressure, temperature, frost
wedging, abrasion, organic activity, human activity, and burrowing
animals.
➢ Physical weathering involves the breakdown of rocks into smaller
particles without changing its chemical composition.

7
 ➢ Weathering refers to the process of decomposition and disintegration of
rocks.

Check Your Understanding

Directions: Based on your understanding of the lesson presented in this
module, answer the following critical questions:

1. How do animals cause erosion?

___________________________________________________________________________

2. How do human activities affect the rate of erosion?

___________________________________________________________________________

3. Discuss the implication and importance of Earth’s internal heat to us.

___________________________________________________________________________

4. Describe how heat are transferred using conduction, convection and

radiation.

___________________________________________________________________________

Post-Test
Directions: Read the questions carefully. Write the letter of the correct answer
on the answer sheet.

1. Which of the following refers to a process which DOES NOT alter the
composition of material?
A. abrasion
B. organic activity
C. chemical weathering
D. mechanical weathering

2. The rocks are fractured, cracked, and broken down into small pieces. What is
the type of weathering?
A. oxidation
B. pressure change
C. physical weathering
D. chemical weathering
3. Which of the following refers to the repeated thawing and freezing of water in
the cracks of rocks?

8
solution
A. abrasion
B. oxidation
C. frost wedging
4. Which of the following refers to a type of heat transfer which usually happen
on Earth’s surface?
A. conduction
B. convection
C. insolation
D. radiation
5. Which of the following refers to a type of heat transfer of fluid in the earth’s
interior results to the movement of rocky mantle up to the surface of the
earth?
A. conduction
B. insolation
C. radiation
D. convection current

Reflection
Directions: Based on your understanding about the different lessons presented
in this module, express your critical and creative understanding of each lesson
by accomplishing this Reflective Learning Sheet and answering the questions
inside the boxes. Good Luck

How did my How will I apply What are the

understanding What learnings the concepts I positive attitudes
about this module have I found from have learned in and values I
changed my this module? my day to day developed from
perception about living? this module?
certain things?

Salandanan, G.G., Faltado, R.E., and Lopez, M.B. 2016. Earth and Life Sciences
for Senior High School. Quezon City: Lorimar Publishing, Inc.

Sia, SR D. and Leah Amor S. Cortez. 2016. SCIENCE in Today’s World for Senior
High School Earth and Life Science. Quezon City: Sibs Publishing House,
Inc.