Download Weathering Weathering The breaking down of rocks and other

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Weathering
Weathering
The breaking down of rocks and other materials on the Earth’s surface
Mechanical Weathering
Size and shape of rock is changed
Chemical make-up of rock remains the same
Temperature
Expansion and Contractions causes rock to break
Frost Action
Freeze/thaw cycles break down rock as water enters
cracks and widens them
Organic Activity
Root Pry occurs as roots help break down rock
Abrasion
Particles carried by wind, water create smooth surfaces
Gravity
Causes rocks to collide as they fall or roll down slopes.
Collisions break rocks down.
Chemical Weathering
Water
Can dissolve rock
Can form acids as they react with rocks and atmosphere
Oxidation
Oxygen combines with elements in the rock
Often rocks become discolored
Carbonation
Carbon dioxide with water creates carbonic acid that eats
away rock: Caves
Sulfuric Acid
Active in areas with where coal is burned
Stronger than carbonic acid
Plant Acid
Lichens and moss roots secrete acids to break down rocks to
form soil
Rate of Weathering
Depends of Factors
Composition
Stability
Climate
Time exposed
Amount of area exposed