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Weathering:

What is weathering?
● Weathering is the process by which rocks and minerals dissolve or break down on the earth’s
surface due to various environmental factors. This occurrence
breaks down and alters the earth’s surface over time. There
are two main types of weathering. The first is physical
weathering which includes physical processes without
changing the rocks chemical composition. The second is
chemical weathering which is the process in which rocks are

broken down due to chemical reactions .

Physical weathering:
Physical weathering is the process where rocks and minerals
undergo structural changes without altering their chemical
composition. This occurs due to various physical forces and
environmental factors such as temperature changes or high
pressure.

Chemical weathering:
Chemical weathering is a geological process that alters the composition of rocks and minerals through
chemical reactions. It occurs when minerals in rocks react with various agents in the environment, leading
to the breakdown of the rock.
Freeze thaw weathering:
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Freeze-thaw weathering is a process where

water seeps into cracks in rocks, freezes,
expands, and then thaws, causing the rock to
break apart over time. This cycle of freezing
and thawing weakens the rock, leading to
gradual disintegration.

Rocks:

What are rocks?

Rocks are solid, naturally occurring substances composed of
minerals and organic materials. They make up the Earth's crust
and are classified into three main types: igneous, sedimentary,
and metamorphic, based on their formation processes.

What are minerals?

Minerals are naturally occurring inorganic substances with a
specific chemical composition and crystalline structure. They
are the building blocks of rocks and have a wide range of physical properties, such as hardness, color, and
luster. Examples include quartz, feldspar, and calcite.

Types of rocks
Igneous rock:
Igneous rocks originate from molten magma or lava cooling and
solidifying. Classified as intrusive (formed beneath the Earth's surface) or
extrusive (formed at the surface), they exhibit diverse textures and mineral
compositions, with examples including granite, basalt, and pumice.

Sedimentary rock:
Sedimentary rocks form from the accumulation and cementation of
sediments, including sand, silt, and organic matter. Over time, these layers
compact into solid rock, preserving a record of Earth's history in features like
fossils and distinct layers.
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Metamorphic rock:
Metamorphic rocks result from the transformation of existing rocks due to
heat and pressure. This process, called metamorphism, leads to changes in
mineral composition and texture. Examples include marble, formed from

limestone, and schist .

Igneous rock in detail:

How are igneous rocks formed?

Igneous rocks are formed from cooled and solidified magma. Igneous rocks are most commonly found
rocks on earth. They make up 90-95% of all rocks that 16km from the surface. Igneous rocks are also
very important because their mineral and chemical makeup can be used to learn about the composition,
temperature and pressure that exists within the Earth’s mantle.

There are two types of igneous rocks; intrusive igneous rock and extrusive igneous rock. Intrusive
igneous rocks make up the majority of igneous rocks and are formed from magma that cools and
solidifies within the crust of a planet. Diorite, granite, and pegmatite are examples of intrusive igneous
rocks. Extrusive, or volcanic, igneous rock is produced when magma exits and cools above (or very near)
the Earth's surface. These are the rocks that form at erupting volcanoes. Examples of extrusive igneous
rock include basalt, rhyolite and obsidian.

Characteristics of igneous rocks:

1. Most igneous forms include more than one mineral deposit.
2. They can be either glassy or coarse.
3. These usually do not react with acids.

The rock cycle

The rock cycle is a continuous geological process that involves the formation, alteration, and reformation
of rocks over time. It includes three main types of rocks: igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic.
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The rock cycle starts with igneous rock formation. It begins with the cooling and solidification of molten
magma or lava. Then when the rocks are exposed to the Earth’s surface, they will undergo weathering,
breaking down into smaller particles through physical or chemical processes. Then erosion transports the
weathered rock particles by natural forces like water, wind, ice, or gravity.

Next Sedimentation happens. Sedimentation is the breaking down of eroded material, forming
sedimentary rocks . Then metamorphism takes place. Metamorphism is when existing rocks such as
igneous, sedimentary, or even other metamorphic rocks are placed under high temperature and pressure,
resulting in metamorphic rocks. Then the rocks melt again due to high temperature which leads to the
formation of new igneous rocks, restarting the cycle. The rock cycle is a dynamic and interconnected
process, showcasing the Earth's ability to recycle and transform its geological materials over time.