Rock Weathering Types
Distinguish between the two main categories of weathering. Give examples of each, which include how they operate to break down and wear away rock.
Weathering can be broadly categorized into two main types: mechanical (or physical) weathering and chemical weathering.
Mechanical Weathering:
Mechanical weathering involves physical processes that break down rocks into smaller fragments without changing their chemical composition. Some common mechanisms include:
- Frost Wedging: Water seeps into cracks in rocks, freezes, expands, and causes the rock to crack and fragment.
- Abrasion: Rocks and minerals are physically worn down by friction and impact with other materials, such as sediment carried by wind or water.
- Root Wedging: Plant roots grow into cracks in rocks, exerting pressure as they expand, which can cause the rock to break apart.
Examples:
- Frost Wedging: In regions with freezing temperatures, water freezing and expanding in the cracks of rocks (like in mountainous areas) can break them apart over time.
- Abrasion: River rocks become smoother and rounder as they are constantly rubbed against each other by the flowing water…
Weathering can be broadly categorized into two main types: mechanical (or physical) weathering and chemical weathering.
Mechanical Weathering:
Mechanical weathering involves physical processes that break down rocks into smaller fragments without changing their chemical composition. Some common mechanisms include:
- Frost Wedging: Water seeps into cracks in rocks, freezes, expands, and causes the rock to crack and fragment.
- Abrasion: Rocks and minerals are physically worn down by friction and impact with other materials, such as sediment carried by wind or water.
- Root Wedging: Plant roots grow into cracks in rocks, exerting pressure as they expand, which can cause the rock to break apart. Rock Weathering Types
Examples:
- Frost Wedging: In regions with freezing temperatures, water freezing and expanding in the cracks of rocks (like in mountainous areas) can break them apart over time.
- Abrasion: River rocks become smoother and rounder as they are constantly rubbed against each other by the flowing water…
