Weathering and Erosion Notes PDF

Weathering and erosion notes There are two types of weathering; Physical weathering and chemical weathering Physical weathering is the breakdown of rocks by physical changes Chemical weathering is the breakdown of rocks by chemical reactions One type of physical weathering is ice wedging AKA fros...

Weathering and erosion notes There are two types of weathering; Physical weathering and chemical weathering Physical weathering is the breakdown of rocks by physical changes Chemical weathering is the breakdown of rocks by chemical reactions One type of physical weathering is ice wedging AKA frost wedging. This is when water seeps into cracks in rocks, the water then freezes and expands, causing the rock to crack even more. Temperature changes can also cause weathering. Rises in temperature can cause a rock to expand, and a decrease can cause a rock to contract. Temperature changes can eventually weaken a rock and cause it to crumble. Pressure changes can cause physical changes too. Exfoliation is the process by which outer layers of the outer layers of rocks slowly peel away due to the pressure changes Abrasion is the breaking down and wearing away of rock material by the mechanical action of other rock. Water,wind,and gravity contribute to abrasion. Plants can grow in rocks to cause weathering. One type of chemical weathering is called oxidation. Oxidation is the process by which other chemicals combine with oxygen. This confused rocks to change color. Rust is the mixture that is iron in rocks combined quickly with oxygen that is dissolved in water. Acids in groundwater can cause stalactites and stalagmites. Acids in the atmosphere are caused by a mixture of chemicals with water in the air. Acids can be produced naturally by certain living organisms. Acid is carbonic weathering. Carbonic weathering is a type of chemical weathering where carbon dioxide in the air dissolves in rainwater, creating a weak carbonic acid.