Question

7 other than the variables that could have been investigated in investigation c, describe one unique physical or chemical property of water that contributes to the weathering of rocks. then describe how this property changes the surface of one landscape region in new york state (found on page 4 of student directions)

1. explain how the effects of water within the genesee river basin (found on page 4 of student directions) occur at different spatial and temporal scales compared to the effects of water in the development of the many caves found in new york state’s allegheny plateau region (found on page 11 of student directions).

genesee river
spatial:

temporal:

allegheny plateau caves
spatial:

temporal:

Explanation:

Question 7 (Answer-Explanation Format)

One unique property of water contributing to rock weathering is its ability to dissolve minerals (chemical weathering, e.g., carbonation: water + CO₂ forms carbonic acid, dissolving calcite in limestone). In the Catskills (a NY landscape region), water with dissolved CO₂ seeps into limestone bedrock. Over time, this dissolves the rock, creating sinkholes, solution valleys, and altering the surface from rugged to more pitted/sunken as the limestone erodes.

The Genesee River basin has a large spatial scale, affecting a broad region (multiple counties, diverse landscapes: valleys, floodplains, gorges). Its water impacts extend across the entire river’s length (from source to Lake Ontario) and its tributary networks, shaping large - scale landforms like the Genesee Gorge and the surrounding river basin topography.

Temporally, the Genesee River’s water effects occur on relatively short timescales (e.g., annual flood cycles shape floodplains, seasonal flow changes erode/deposit sediment yearly) and longer timescales (millennia - scale gorge formation as the river cuts through rock). Daily/seasonal flow variations (e.g., spring snowmelt floods) and long - term (geologic) erosion of the gorge are key temporal impacts.

Answer:

One unique property of water contributing to rock weathering is its ability to chemically dissolve minerals (e.g., via carbonation: water combines with carbon dioxide to form carbonic acid, which dissolves calcite in limestone). In the Catskills region of New York State, water with dissolved carbon dioxide seeps into limestone bedrock. Over time, this chemical weathering process dissolves the limestone, creating features like sinkholes, solution valleys, and a pitted, sunken landscape surface as the rock erodes.

Question 8 (Answer-Explanation Format)

Genesee River - Spatial