biological or biotic weathering

Question 1

definition of biotic or biological weathering

Answer 1

refers to weathering of earths surface by plants and animals

Question 2

an example of biotic weathering with tree roots

Answer 2

tree roots grow between cracks and joints in rocks which can pry apart joints widening and deepening them
tree roots penetrate several metres into underlying bedrock
water may flow along these roots into the joints enabling chemical weathering

Question 3

an example of biotic weathering with animals

Answer 3

animals such as earthworms rabbits and insects burrow into soil and weak rocks
further weakens rocks and also allows water to penetrate into ground thus enabling chemical weathering

Question 4

explain chelation

Answer 4

can be considered to be chemical weathering process since involves chemical reactions
decayed organic matter such as decomposing plants and animals release considerable amounts of human acids which results in process of chelation
organic substances called chelates have the ability to decompose minerals and rocks by removal of metallic cations thus rock minerals broken down by organic acids