Weathering

Rocks do not stay the same forever. They get worn away slowly.
Rain,wind,frost and temperature changes can all wear away rocks. When
rocks are worn away by these things, we call it weathering.
Chemical weathering
Rainwater is slightly acidic. When rainwater attacks limestone,
a chemical reaction takes place. This is an example of the
chemical weathering.
Limestone is made of calcium carbonate. When acid reacts
with it, carbondioxide gas, water and a salt are produced. The
carbondioxide gas goes into the air and the other products are
washed away by the rain. Rain is a very weak acid so the
reaction is only very slight. It takes many years to notice the
differences caused to the limestone.
Physical weathering
•Water gets into the spaces and cracks in rocks. When this water freezes, it
expands. This makes the cracks larger. When the water melts, the larger
cracks are left. When this happens, many times the rocks are broken up. This is
an example of physical weathering.
•The heat of the Sun can make rocks expand. At night, the temperature falls and
the rocks contacts. When this happens over and over again, the rocks can
crack.
•Wind and running water can wear away rocks. Rocks are made smooth by
water running over them.

Biotic weathering
•Living organisms can cause rocks to break apart. This Is called biotic
weathering.
•Plants can grow in the cracks in rocks. The growth of the plant's roots causes
cracks and damage to the rocks.