Download Examples of chemical weathering

WEATHERING: breaking down of rock material by physical or
chemical means.
EROSION: the transport of weathered materials.
DEPOSITION: the putting down or emplacement of eroded
material.
2 types of weathering…
PHYSICAL WEATHERING= the mechanical breakdown of material
(smaller pieces, same composition)
CHEMICAL WEATHERING= the breakdown of material resulting from a
change in chemical composition.
(new materials, “separated” from whole)
Examples of physical weathering…
ABRASION: the breakdown of material due to frictional contact with another
substance (sand blasting, water).
FROST ACTION: water gets into the cracks in rock, freezes and expands,
widening the cracks or breaking off pieces.
EXFOLIATION: repeated heating/cooling of the rock due to sun, creates
cracks.

Examples of chemical weathering
OXIDATION: chemical reaction associated with the presence of water and
oxygen, results in weaker material.
ACID: chemical reaction with natural acids and materials results in
DISSOLUTION.
BIOTIC ACTIVITY: plants,etc., create chemical conditions for breaking down
materials.
Factors affecting rates of weathering:
Location and surface:volume
Agents of Erosion
 GRAVITY: also called mass wasting (slump, rock slides, mudflows, creep)
 GLACIERS: glacial actions include plucking, transporting, and scoouring
 WIND: to reduce wind erosion methods include windbreaks and root
systems.
 WATER: 2 types: Stream and Sheet erosion; largest agent of erosion