Chemical Weathering

Question 1

Hydrolysis

Answer 1

• this is when a mineral is broken down by a reaction with water

Question 2

Hydration and dehydration

Answer 2

• wetting and drying can cause the addition or removal of water from the molecules of some minerals, causing expansion or contraction which assists disintegration

Question 3

Carbonisation

Answer 3

• rain water contains the weak acid, carbonic acid, which forms as the rain absorbs atmospheric carbon dioxide. Carbonic acid then attacks the carbonate minerals

Question 4

Root action (biological)

Answer 4

• roots grow inside the cracks in the rock expand and break the rock apart