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Learn about mechanical and chemical weathering processes that break down rocks through physical and chemical reactions. Explore how ice, abrasion, plants, animals, water, acids, and air contribute to the weathering of rocks. Discover the impact of these processes on geological formations.
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Chapter 10: Weathering & Soil FormationSection 1: Weathering
Chapter 10 Section1 Weathering Mechanical Weathering Mechanical Weatheringis the breakdown of rock into smaller pieces by physical means. 1. Ice: The alternate freezing and thawing of soil and rock, called frost action or ice wedging, is a form of mechanical weathering.
2. Abrasion: Abrasion is the grinding and wearing away of rock surfaces through the mechanical action of other rock or sand particles. 3. Wind, Water & Gravity: Wind, water, and gravity carry rocks, causing them to grind against one another.
Chapter 10 Section1 Weathering 4. Plants: As a plant grows, the force of the expanding root becomes so strong that it can break a rock apart. 5. Animals: Almost any animal that burrows causes mechanical weathering by mixing and digging through soil and rock particles.
Chapter 10 Section 1Weathering Animals and Mechanical Weathering Animals that burrow in the ground break up soil and loosen rocks to be exposed to further weathering.
Chapter 10 Section1 Weathering Chemical Weathering Chemical Weathering is the process by which rocks break down as a result ofchemical reactions. 1. Water: Even hard rock, such as granite, can be broken down by water.
2. Acid Precipitation: The high level of acidity in acid precipitation can cause very rapid weathering of rock. 3. Acids in Groundwater: When acidic groundwater comes into contact with limestone, the limestone is dissolved and forms karstfeatures. Karst is a type of topography that is characterized by closed depressions or sinkholes, caves, and underground drainage
Acid in groundwater has weathered limestone to form Rusty’s Cave in Dade County, Georgia
Chapter 10 Section1 Weathering 4. Acids in Living Things: Some living things, such as lichens (which consist of fungi & algae living together), produce acids that can slowly break down rocks.
5. Air: Oxygen in the air causes oxidation. Oxidation is the chemical reaction in which an element, such as iron, combines with oxygen to form an oxide. This common form of chemical weathering is what causes rust.
