Download Weathering Chapter 10 Section1

Weathering Chapter 10 Section1
What is weathering?
Weathering is the process
by which rock materials are
broken down by the action
of physical or chemical
processes
Mechanical (Physical)
Weathering
Chemical Weathering
Definition:
Definition:
Mechanical weathering is
the breakdown of rock into
smaller pieces by physical
means
The process by which rocks
break down as a result of
chemical reactions is called
Chemical Weathering
Examples:
Examples:
List the agents of Mechanical (Physical)
Weathering
 Water
 Ice
 Wind
 Gravity
 Plants and Animals
Ice Wedging
List the agents of Chemical Weathering
 Water
 Acid Precipitation
 Acids in groundwater
 Acids in Living things
 Air
Explain how water can cause chemical
weathering to occur.
Definition:
Ice wedging occurs when
Along with weak acids and
water filling a crack in a
rock freezes and expands
air, water can weaken the
bonds between mineral
grains
Abrasion
What are the 3 main types of
precipitation?
Definition:
The grinding and wearing
away of rock surfaces
through the mechanical
action of other rocks or
sand particles is called
Define acid precipitation
Rain, sleet, or snow that
contains a high
concentration of acids is
called
What can acid precipitation result from?
Acid precipitation can
result from The burning of
fossil fuels
Name 3 agents that can cause abrasion
and explain WHY.
1. When rocks fall on
one another
2. Wind
3. When rocks and
pebbles roll along the
bottom of swiftly
flowing rivers, they
bump into and scrape
Explain how lichens cause chemical
weathering
Lichens grow on rocks.
Lichens produce acids that
can slowly break down rock.
each other.
Explain how plants can cause
mechanical weathering.
The chemical reaction in which an
element, such as iron, combines with
oxygen to form an oxide is called
Plants’ roots can grow into
Oxidation
cracks in rocks. As the
plants grow, the force of
the expanding root becomes
so strong that it can split
the rock.
In what ways can an animal cause
mechanical weathering?
When oxygen in the air reacts with
metal, oxidation occurs and causes the
metal to
An animal causes mechanical
weathering by burrowing in
Rust
the soil and moving soil
particles around
Also, name some animals that can cause
this type of weathering.
What agent can weather rock either mechanically or chemically?
Water
Draw a Venn diagram comparing and contrasting mechanical and chemical
weathering.