Types of Weathering Mechanical Chemical
Jan 18, 2016
Types of Weathering
Mechanical
Chemical
What is Mechanical Weathering?
The breakdown of rocks without changing the
chemical composition of the rock.
1. Frost Action
Freezing and thawing that results in breaking the rock apart into pieces.
2. Abrasion
Wearing away of rocks by wind or water; can polish the affected rocks.
3. Gravity
As rocks fall, they collide with each other and break apart.
4. Organic Activity: Root Pry
Plant roots can grow into crevices within rocks andbreak them apart.
5. Wetting and Drying
Constant swelling and shrinking makes rocks crack.
6. Joint Sheeting
The removal of large masses of rock causes rocks to expand.
What is Chemical Weathering?
The process by which rocks are decomposed, dissolved or loosened
by chemical processes to form residual materials.
1. Hydrolysis
The chemical reaction of water with other substances.
Feldspar +Water = Clay
Feldspar
A Clay Cliff
2. Plant Acids
Acids formed by the decaying of plants and animals;eats away rocks.
3. Sulfuric Acid
Pollution from smog dissolvesin rainwater (acid rain) and eatsaway at rocks.
4. Oxidation
The chemical reaction of oxygen with other substances (rust).
5. Carbonation
Carbonic acid dissolves rocks and forms caves underground.
The End