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I. Weathering
A. The process that breaks rocks down on Earths surface. B. Erosion - moves rock particles away from original location.
E. Plant Growth
1. Roots of plants can enter a crack in a rock. As the roots grow, they force the rock apart.
F. Animal Actions
1. Burrowing animals (moles, gophers, prairie dogs, insects) loosen and break apart rocks in the soil.
C. Carbon Dioxide
1. CO2 becomes dissolved in rainwater as it soaks into the ground. It becomes carbonic acid. This easily weathers limestone and marble. (marble is the slide background)
D. Oxygen
1. Oxygen reacts with iron when water is present and rust (iron oxide) forms. Rocks that contain iron turn a reddish color. (This is why Mars is red, it has a lot of iron oxide in the soil.)
E. Living Organisms
1. Plant roots and lichens secrete acids that chemically weather rock.
F. Acid Rain
1. Burning oil, coal, and gas produces pollution. These nitrogen and sulfur compounds mix in clouds and causes rainfall to be more acidic. This can chemically breakdown rocks and damage statues and gravestones.
B. Climate
1. Weathering occurs faster in warm, moist climates. 2. Cool, dry climates are where weathering is slowest.