Mechanical Weathering Overview

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What is the main cause of thermal expansion weathering?

Salt/mineral crystals

Water

Extreme temperatures (correct)

Wind

How does frost weathering or ice wedging affect rocks?

Causes rocks to compress

Causes rocks to melt

Makes cracks within rocks larger (correct)

Prevents cracks from forming in rocks

What category do animal and plant actions fall under in terms of weathering?

Frost Weathering

Chemical Weathering

Biological Weathering (correct)

Exfoliation Weathering

What happens to rocks during exfoliation weathering?

The outer layers crack and peel away Signup and view all the answers

Why do rocks in desert climates that experience hot days and cold nights undergo thermal expansion weathering?

As a result of temperature changes Signup and view all the answers

What is the main focus of mechanical weathering?

Physical means breaking down rocks Signup and view all the answers

Which process causes the rock to break down in chemical weathering?

Chemical reactions Signup and view all the answers

How do scientists distinguish between mechanical and chemical weathering?

By the type of external factors involved Signup and view all the answers

What is one example of a factor that contributes to mechanical weathering?

Wind erosion Signup and view all the answers

How do changes to Earth's surface over time become visible?

After hundreds to millions of years Signup and view all the answers

What causes exfoliation in rocks according to geologists?

Pressure decrease as bedrock rises Signup and view all the answers

Which process involves the breaking down of rock by being struck or impacted by another rock?

Abrasion weathering Signup and view all the answers

In what type of climates does salt crystal growth weathering usually occur?

Hot, dry climates Signup and view all the answers

How do living organisms contribute to the weathering of rocks mechanically?

By burrowing and bringing rocks to the surface Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary cause of rock weakening and disintegration by living organisms through chemical means?

Acids secreted by organisms Signup and view all the answers

Mechanical Weathering Overview

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