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4 Types and Examples of Chemical Weathering

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Types of chemical weathering: reaction with water, reaction with oxygen, reaction with acid, reactions
with organisms

ThoughtCo / Hilary Allison

By Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D.

Updated October 29, 2019

There are three types of weathering: mechanical, biological, and chemical. Mechanical weathering is
caused by wind, sand, rain, freezing, thawing, and other natural forces that can physically alter rock.
Biological weathering is caused by the actions of plants and animals as they grow, nest, and burrow.
Chemical weathering occurs when rocks undergo chemical reactions to form new minerals. Water, acids,
and oxygen are just a few of the chemicals that lead to geological change. Over time, chemical
weathering can produce dramatic results.

01

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Chemical Weathering From Water

Stalagmites and stalactites form as dissolved minerals in water deposit on surfaces.

Alija/Getty Images

Water causes both mechanical weathering and chemical weathering. Mechanical weathering occurs
when water drips or flows over rock for prolonged periods; the Grand Canyon, for example, was formed
to a large degree by the mechanical weathering action of the Colorado River.
Chemical weathering occurs when water dissolves minerals in a rock, producing new compounds. This
reaction is called hydrolysis. Hydrolysis occurs, for example, when water comes in contact with granite.
Feldspar crystals inside the granite react chemically, forming clay minerals. The clay weakens the rock,
making it more likely to break.

Water also interacts with calcites in caves, causing them to dissolve. Calcite in dripping water builds up
over many years to create stalagmites and stalactites.

In addition to changing the shapes of rocks, chemical weathering from water changes the composition
of water. For example, weathering over billions of years is a big factor in why the ocean is salty.

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02

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Chemical Weathering From Oxygen

Vermilion Cliffs National Monument

Philippe Bourseiller/Getty Images

Oxygen is a reactive element. It reacts with rocks through a process called oxidation. One example of
this type of weathering is rust formation, which occurs when oxygen reacts with iron to form iron oxide
(rust). Rust changes the color of the rocks, plus iron oxide is much more fragile than iron, so the
weathered region becomes more susceptible to breakage.

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03

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Chemical Weathering From Acids

The effect of acid rain on a copper mural in a mausoleum.

Ray Pfortner/Getty Images

When rocks and minerals are altered by hydrolysis, acids may be produced. Acids may also be produced
when water reacts with the atmosphere, so acidic water can react with rocks. The effect of acids on
minerals is an example of solution weathering. Solution weathering also covers other types of chemical
solutions, such as basic rather than acidic ones.

One common acid is carbonic acid, a weak acid that is produced when carbon dioxide reacts with water.
Carbonation is an important process in the formation of many caves and sinkholes. Calcite in limestone
dissolves under acidic conditions, leaving open spaces.

04

of 04

Chemical Weathering From Living Organisms

Barnacles and other aquatic organisms can lead to weathering of structures.

Phil Copp/Getty Images

Living organisms perform chemical reactions to obtain minerals from soil and rocks. Many chemical
changes are possible.

Lichens can have a profound effect on rock. Lichens, a combination of algae and fungi, produce a weak
acid that can dissolve rock.

Plant roots are also an important source of chemical weathering. As roots expand into rock, acids can
change the minerals in the rock. Plant roots also use carbon dioxide, thus changing the chemistry of the
soil.
New, weaker minerals are often more brittle; this makes it easier for plant roots to break up the rock.
Once the rock is broken up, water can get into the cracks and oxidize or freeze. Frozen water expands,
making the cracks wider and further weathering the rock.

Animals can also effect geochemistry. For example, bat guano and other animal remains contain reactive
chemicals that can affect minerals.

Human activities also have a major impact on rock. Mining, of course, changes the location and
condition of rocks and soil. Acid rain caused by pollution can eat away at rocks and minerals. Farming
changes the chemical composition of soil, mud, and rock.

Colorful small rocks on Tofte beach, Norway.