Exogenic Processes and Weathering

External processes occurring near Earth's surface, part of the rock cycle, transforming rock into sediment, and shaping the landscape through degradation and sculpting.

Rock breakdown due to repeated freezing and thawing of water in cracks.

Breaking rocks into smaller pieces without changing their mineral composition.

Physical or chemical breakdown of rocks near Earth's surface without movement of materials.

Rock breakdown due to the removal of overlying material, causing expansion.

Rock breakdown from repeated heating and cooling.

Rock weakening through chemical reactions forming new compounds.

Downward movement of rock and soil under gravity.

The process of moving weathered sediments from one place to another by natural forces.

Forces that cause the movement of weathered sediments, such as water, ice, and wind.

Raindrops hitting the soil causing small particles to detach and move.

Water flowing over the land surface, breaking down soil structure and carrying it away.

Small channels formed by concentrated water flow, eroding the soil and delivering sediment downhill.

Deep channels formed by heavy rainfall, eroding the soil into large gullies.

Erosion caused by glaciers, through processes like plucking and abrasion.

Movement of dust, sand, and volcanic ash by wind, eroding materials and shaping landscapes.

A chemical reaction where oxygen combines with a mineral, changing its composition. This often creates reddish-brown rust, weakening the rock.

Breaking down minerals by reacting them with water. This often affects silicate minerals, which contain oxygen and silicon.

Rock decomposition caused by a reaction between carbon dioxide, water, and the rock, especially effective on carbonate rocks.

Weathering caused by living organisms – animals, plants, fungi, and even bacteria.

Mass wasting where material moves like a liquid. Slurry flows have more water (20-40%), while granular flows have less (0-20%).

A fast, free-fall of rock pieces down a steep cliff. The accumulation of fallen rock at the base is called talus.

Sudden, rapid movement of soil, rock, or regolith. It can be either translational (sliding on a plane) or rotational (moving along a curved surface).