Earth and Life Science

Quarter 1 – Module 5

Exogenic Processes

Chemical Description
Reactions
Dissolution It occurs in specific minerals which are dissolved in water.
Hydrolysis Rock forming minerals like amphibole, pyroxene, and
feldspar react with water and form different kinds of clay
minerals.
Oxidation It is thr response of oxygen with minerals. If the iron
oxidizes, the mineral in rocks decomposes. Rusting is an
example of this chemical reaction.

 Mechanical Weathering or Physical Weathering is the breakdown of rocks into pieces without
any changes in its composition. In this process, the shape and the sizeof the rocks changes and
this occurs because of the following factors.
1. Pressure – due to tectonic forces granite may rise to form mountain range. After the
granites ascends and cools, the overlying rocks and sediments may erode. At the point
when the pressure diminished, the rock expands, cools, and became brittle and fractured.
2. Temperature – Rocks expand and are fractured when expose to high temperature.
However, if the temperature drop to zero, it also expands and cause fracture.
3. Frost Wedging – Generally, rocks have fractured in its surface and when water accumulates
in the crack and at that point freezes, the ice expands and breaks the rock apart.
4. Abrasion – the breakdown of rocks is caused by impact and friction. This primarily occurs
during collision of rocks, sands, and silt due to current or waves along a stream or seashore
causing sharp edges and corners to wear off and became rounded.
5. Organic activity – the root grow causing penetration into the crac, expand, and in the long
run, break the rock.
6. Human Activities – activities such as digging, quarrying, denuding forest and cultivating land
contribute to physical Weathering.
7. Burrowing Animals – animals like rats, rabbits, and squirrel excavate into the ground to
create a space for habitation.