Mechanical Weathering Flashcards
Is erosion a process?
Yes
Is weathering a process?
Yes
weathering is the breakdown of _____ by physical or chemical means
rock
weathering is the breakdown of rock by _____ or ______ means
physical, chemical
what is weathering?
the breakdown of rock
What is the product of weathering?
Soil
where does weathering happen?
At or near the Earth’s surface
For weathering to happen there must be an exposure of rock to what three things?
air, moisture, or living things
what is erosion?
The transport of weathered material
The transport of weathered material is called…
erosion
What are the two broad categories of weathering?
mechanical weathering and chemical weathering
Mechanical weathering is a ______ process
physical
Does mechanical weathering involve any chemical change?
No, the minerals stay the same
What is mechanical weathering?
the physical breakdown of rock into smaller and smaller pieces
Where is mechanical weathering prominent?
In dry and cool environments
Chemical weathering involves ______ processes
chemical
Can chemical weathering change the minerals in a rock?
yes
Where does chemical weathering occur?
it proceeds most rapidly in wet and hot environments
______ and _____ weathering often work/occur together to breakdown a rock
chemical, mechanical
it is often difficult to separate their effects
______ weathering is the breakdown of rock through physical processes like stress and strain
mechanical
What are joints in a rock?
cracks in a rock
The more cracks in a rock the more susceptible it is to be broken down by ______ weathering
mechanical
What is the relationship between the amount of joints in a rock and weathering?
the more joints the more susceptible it is to be broken down by mechanical weathering
Tectonic squeezing and twisting causes ______ to form in a rock underground
joints
when water freezes it ______
expands
What is freeze-thaw action?
When water freezes in the crack of rock it expands and breaks open the crack more
Can roots and burrowing animals cause weathering?
Yes, they can cause cracks to expand and in effect break the rock apart
what is salt crystal growth?
Salt water gets into the joints of a rock, water evaporates, and salt is left behind, crystal growth exerts force . Also, some salt expands when heated
_______ is the process by which little particles are blown against the surfaces of rocks causing the surfaces to become smooth.
abrasion
what is abrasion?
When little particles are blown against the surfaces of rocks causing the surfaces of the rock to become smooth.
This process is like sandpaper
when little particles are blown against the surfaces of rocks what is the effect?
the effect of abrasion is smoothness
what are the four processes of mechanical weathering?
- freeze-thaw action
- salt crystal growth
- abrasion
- root/animal contact
How are joints in a rock formed?
by tectonic squeezing and twisting
