Podcast
Questions and Answers
Define weathering.
Define weathering.
Weathering is the gradual breakdown of rocks in situ to form soil.
Which of the following are types of weathering? (Select all that apply)
Which of the following are types of weathering? (Select all that apply)
What are the two major forms of physical weathering discussed in the text?
What are the two major forms of physical weathering discussed in the text?
Exfoliation and Frost-Action
Frost Action is also known as freeze-thaw action, frost wedging, and frost shattering.
Frost Action is also known as freeze-thaw action, frost wedging, and frost shattering.
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Chemical weathering occurs when rainwater filters down through ______________.
Chemical weathering occurs when rainwater filters down through ______________.
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Match the chemical weathering types with their description:
Match the chemical weathering types with their description:
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Study Notes
Weathering
- Weathering is the gradual breakdown of rocks in situ (stationary) to form soil.
- External forces such as rain, sunshine, wind, and temperature move and break down rocks.
Types of Weathering
- There are three types of weathering: physical/mechanical, chemical, and biotic.
Physical/Mechanical Weathering
- Physical weathering involves the disintegration or break down of rocks into smaller pieces.
- No chemical change occurs in the rock compound.
- Types of physical weathering include exfoliation and frost action.
Exfoliation
- Exfoliation occurs in arid regions such as deserts, where extreme daily temperature variations cause rocks to expand and contract.
- Continuous expansion and contraction of the rock lead to a significant breakdown in the rock's physical structure.
- The process of exfoliation results in the rock flaking off in layers, with small rock pieces broken off from the main rock known as scree.
Frost Action
- Frost action is caused by the alternate and repeated freezing and thawing of water in porous rocks, joints, cracks, and fissures.
- Water enters the rock, freezes, and expands by 10% in volume, exerting pressure and widening the fissure.
- Continuous freezing and thawing create stress on the rock structure, eventually breaking it down into smaller particles.
- Frost action mostly occurs in limestone rocks such as shale, sandstone, and limestone.
Chemical Weathering
- Chemical weathering occurs when rainwater filters down through rocks, destroying original minerals and forming new ones.
- The new material changes the mineral components, creating an adverse effect that breaks down the rock structure.
- Chemical weathering occurs in hot and humid regions, with types including carbonation and oxidation.
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Description
Learn about the process of weathering, its types, and how it breaks down rocks into soil. Explore terms like disintegration, frost action, and carbonation.
