JNTU B.Tech II ENGINEERING GEOLOGY Previous Question Paper (April - 2018 - R16)

Geology is the scientific study of the Earth, including its composition, structure, physical properties, and the processes that have shaped it over geological time. It encompasses the investigation of rocks, minerals, landforms, and the history of the planet, as well as the application of this knowledge to engineering, resource exploration, and environmental management.

Weathering is the natural process of physical disintegration and chemical decomposition of rocks at or near the Earth's surface due to exposure to atmospheric agents. It occurs in situ, meaning the rock material remains largely in place without significant transport. The process is broadly categorized into physical weathering (mechanical breakdown into smaller fragments without changing chemical composition), chemical weathering (alteration of minerals through reactions like oxidation, hydrolysis, or carbonation), and biological weathering (breakdown caused by the activities of plants, animals, and microorganisms). Weathering is a critical geological process as it prepares rock material for erosion and contributes to the formation of soil.