How do plants cause weathering?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking about the role of plants in the process of weathering, specifically how plants contribute to breaking down rocks and minerals in the environment.
Answer
Plants cause weathering by mechanically breaking rocks with their roots and chemically releasing acids that dissolve rock minerals.
Plants cause weathering through both mechanical and chemical means. Mechanically, plant roots grow into the cracks of rocks, expanding and causing the rocks to break apart. Chemically, plants release acids through their roots that can dissolve and weaken the minerals in rocks.
Answer for screen readers
Plants cause weathering through both mechanical and chemical means. Mechanically, plant roots grow into the cracks of rocks, expanding and causing the rocks to break apart. Chemically, plants release acids through their roots that can dissolve and weaken the minerals in rocks.
More Information
Plants play a crucial role in both mechanical and chemical weathering processes, contributing significantly to soil formation and landscape alteration.
Sources
- How do plants cause weathering? - Socratic - socratic.org
- How do plants cause weathering? - Homework.Study.com - homework.study.com
- Weathering - National Geographic Education - education.nationalgeographic.org
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