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1
What is Weathering?
Weathering can be
defined as any
chemical or
mechanical process
by which rocks
exposed to weather
undergo changes in
character or are
broken down into
smaller pieces.
Mechanical Weathering
Mechanical Weathering is a type of
weathering that breaks down rocks into
smaller pieces without changing the
chemical composition of the rock.
For example, Granite can be broken
down into smaller pieces, but the
smaller pieces are still Granite.
Agents of Mechanical Weathering
Frost Wedging – When water freezes
in the cracks of rocks causing them to
expand and break the rock.
The products of frost wedging are large
piles of rocks called talus.
Frost Wedging
Frost Wedging
Weathering of
Granite to
Carbonic Acid dissolves limestone Produce clay
To produce caverns sediments
Rate of Weathering
The most important factors that affect
the rate (time) of weathering are
Surface Area - More cracks means
more surface area, more surface area
means more weathering.
Composition – Certain minerals are
more resistant to weathering than
others. Quartz for example is more
resistant to weathering than calcite.
Rate of Weathering
How Weathering Affects the Surface Area and the Rate of Weathering
Rate of Weathering
Climate – Hot, humid climates have a
fast rate of weathering. Cold, dry
climates have a slow rate of weathering.
Vegetation – Places with more
vegetation tend to have a higher rate of
weathering because certain plants help
produce acids that help speed up the
rate of weathering.
Rate of Weathering Varies
depending upon the Climate