WEATHERING PROCESS

Soil Genesis & Development

 Weathering Process
 Alters the physical and chemical state of the
rock.
The forces is due to:
◦ Solar radiation - oxidation-reduction
◦ Atmospheric water - hydration
◦ Chemical reactions - hydrolysis
◦ Biological actions - solution
Types / Kinds Weathering Process
Physical Weathering
 Breakdown of rocks into fragments due to
physical stresses.
Chemical Weathering
 Breakdown of chemical composition.
 Internal breakdown of original rock
 Formation of new mineral structure
(secondary)
Geochemical weathering – parent material (C)
Pedochemical weathering – soil solum (A & B)
Stages of Weathering
Early stage
◦ Weathering of parent materials (less resistant)
 Gypsum, calcite, apatite, biotite, feldspar, olivine, etc.
Intermediate stage
◦ Formation of secondary minerals (more resistant)
 Quartz, vermiculite, montmorillonite, illite
Advanced stage
◦ Removal of basic cations from the secondary
minerals
 Kaolinite, gibbsite, allophane, anatase
Weathering Sequence
1. Disintegration (physical or mechanical)
2. Removal of basic elements from the surfaces of particles and
combine into compounds of variable solubility
3. Production of fine clay or colloidal particles in the advanced
stage of weathering
4. Loss of Ca, Mg, Na, and K ions as a result of the great H-ion
concentration.
5. As weathering attacks the surfaces of the particles, there is an
accumulation of residues around the surface, i.e., hydrated
oxides of Fe, Al, Si, and alumino-silicates
6. Organic matter in different stages of decay accumulate on the
surface and within the layer of the soil material
7. A new characteristic structure develops
Weathering primary minerals
Pre-Test
1. The textural type of a given soil is best
influenced by what type of weathering
process?
a) Physical weathering
b) Chemical weathering
c) Both a & b
d) None of the above
Pre-Test
2. The formation of clay structure within
the soil will start at what particular stage
that is given below?

a) Releases of the primary minerals from

parent materials
b) Weathering of primary minerals
c) Weathering of secondary minerals
d) Removal of basic cations from the
secondary minerals
Pre-Test
3. The best example of a physical
weathering process is?
a) Oxidation
b) Hydration
c) Reduction
d) Exfoliation
Pre-Test
4. Weathering is a continuous process
occurring in the soil profile, both in
parent material and soil solum, even if it
is on its mature soil condition already?
a) True
b) False
c) In parent material (C-horizon) only
d) In soil solum (A & B horizon) only
Pre-Test
5. The formation of the secondary minerals
is due to ?
a) Physical weathering
b) Chemical weathering
c) Both A & B
d) None of the above
EVALUATION
3 points and below
◦ You need to ask your reviewer a question(s) now.
Do not proceed to the next topic until clarification
of the matter is accomplished.
4 points
◦ Proceed to the next topic but needs more
information and improvement to this topic
5 points
◦ Congratulation! You will be assured to have a
5% score in the upcoming board exam (ALE) in
this field of examination (Soil Science)