Science 5

Science 5
Kapurpurawan Rock Formation in
Burgos, Ilocos Norte
OBJECTIVE:
Describe how rocks turn into soil
WEATHERING
AND
SOIL EROSION
SCIENCE 5
 WEATHERING
-weathering is a process where a rock breaks
down into smaller pieces on the earth’s
surface. Weathering may be mechanical or
chemical weathering.
There are two types of weathering:

Mechanical weathering
Chemical weathering
In mechanical weathering, rocks are broken
down into smaller pieces of rock
called sediments. Mechanical weathering is caused
by natural forces, such as earthquakes, landslides,
and volcanic eruptions wherein rocks break
because of force. Mechanical weathering caused by earthquakes and landslides
Chemical weathering, on the other hand,
involves the exposure of rocks to certain naturally
occurring acids that change these rocks into
other materials with new properties. Rocks that
are exposed to flowing water, acid rain, and other
naturally occurring acids like sulfuric acid from
volcanic eruptions undergo weathering.

Chemical weathering caused by volcanic activities

Agent of Weathering
They may be evident as a crack or break in the rock,
or as a chemical reaction that slowly changes the
composition of the rock. Several forces or agents
contribute to these effects. Some of the common
agents are water, wind, and plants and animals.
Water
Running water, like streams and rivers, are
among the primary forces that shape the
earth’s surface.
Rain also causes weathering. carbonation
Carbonic acid reacts with
minerals, such as those
containing iron, calcium, and
magnesium, to form
carbonate compounds.

easily dissolve in water

and erode rocks quickly
At night when the
temperature usually drops,
the water in the cracks
freezes. As water freezes, its
volume expands by about 10
percent. This expansion
causes the cracks to enlarge,
eventually forcing big rocks to
break off. This process is
Broken rocks caused by frost wedging
called frost wedging.
As the wind carries grains of sand and
small fragments of rocks, these
particles may strike and polish the
surfaces of rocks, much like the
scouring action you make when you
use sandpaper on wood. This action of
wind-carried particles on rock
Weathering caused by wind abrasion
surfaces is called abrasion.
Weathering caused by root wedging

Plants and Animals

Plants can break rocks. As
trees or shrubs grow, their
roots may enter through
small cracks in rocks. As
the roots grow bigger, they
eventually wedge the rocks
apart. This action of plants
is called root wedging.
 Weathering caused by activities of animals

Heavy animals with big hooves or feet,

such as elephants and hippopotamuses,
may step on big rocks, causing them to
crumble into bits. The digging or
burrowing of animals like rabbits and
moles also move deeply buried rocks to
the surface, exposing them to different
conditions in the environment.
Effects of Weathering
Weathering is important in the production of soil.
Loose soil is a product of continuous weathering.
Erosion
Excessive weathering results in the loosening of rocks
and soil such that these are easily removed and carried
away by natural agents like running water, wind, or
even moving ice. This process is called erosion
Deposition is the laying down of sediments carried by
the wind, running water, or ice. Sediments can be
transported as pebbles, sand, mud, or salts dissolved in
water.
Deposition of sediments
Agents of Erosion
Wind, water, and even animals can transport
eroded materials, such as rock fragments,
pebbles, and dust, and bring these to new
locations.
 Wind
As gusts of strong wind
blow across the land, small
rocks, pebbles, and dust are
carried, bringing them to
new places. Erosion caused by wind
Water
Running water pulled by gravity rushes
along the surface, bringing along materials in
its path. For instance, once a river
bends at a specific place,
the sediments eventually
get stuck and pile up.
Glaciers are big sheets of ice
on top of mountains. When
these glaciers move, they
carve and scrape the land
underneath them as they carry
away rock fragments with
them.
Ocean waves and currents
also erode the earth’s surface.
Crashing waves break down
rock along coastlines. The
sediments are dragged back
and forth, slowly turning into
sand.
Erosion caused by frozen water
Effects of Erosion
Although erosion is a natural activity that
happens on the earth, unfortunately, it can
cause harm to living things.
Landslide, or the sliding of
a mass of soil or rocks down an
inclined area. Landslide

Runoff is the excess water

that rushes down the surface of
the land.
Surface runoff
deforestation Infrastructure development
 Soil Erosion Prevention
Planting requires a lot of work, and organizers of
this event often invite many volunteers to help.
The roots of plants help hold soil, preventing the
soil to get loose whenever it rains. You can also
join information campaigns in your own
community and suggest ways to prevent
disastrous soil erosion.
 Question
1. What are the two types of weathering?

2. What is mechanical weathering?

3. What is chemical weathering?

 Question
4. What do call when the rock is
breaking apart in areas with
temperatures that freezing in day
and night?
5. What is the process of removal of
surface material from the earth’s
crust?
 Question
6. As a pupil, how can you
contribute to avoid soil erosion?
The picture shows a large rock breaking apart.
Which of these is MOST likely making the rock
break apart? Explain your answer.
Generalization:
1. What are the positive impact of weathering
and soil erosion?

2. What are the negative impact of weathering

and soil erosion?

3. How will you contribute to environmental

stewardship in order to avoid this kind of
natural disaster?
Evaluation:
1.How do rocks turn into soil?
Assignment:
Next meeting, we are going to have
an activity about soil erosion. I want
you to bring the following: rocks, a
hammer, an old newspaper, a
breaker, and vinegar.