Process of Weathering Flashcards
General term applied to the combined action of all processes causing rocks to disintegrate physically and decompose chemically
Weathering
Weathering is the initial stage in the process of _____?
Denudation
Products of rock weathering tend to accumulate in a soft surface layer called
Regolith
Types of Weathering
- Physical
- Chemical
- Biological
Factors affecting weathering
- Structure
- Climate
- Topography
- Vegetation
Refers to mineralogical compositions, joints, bedding planes, faults, fractures, pores, and its integral hardness
Rock Structure
Sum total of the meteorological elements
Climate
Directly affects weathering by exposing rocks and indirectly thru amount of precipitation, temp, and vegetation
Topography
Thin sheets of rock split off owing to differential expansion and contraction during heating and cooling
Exfoliation
Soluble constituents of the rocks enters the rocks thru fractures and joints, along with water. With the evaporation of water the solution is precipitated to form crystals and crystal aggregates and as they grow, they exert large expansive stresses.
Crystal Growth
Freezing of water when water seeps into fractures and joints in between rocks
Frost action
When rocks are exposed in alternate extreme conditions and climate they expand
Differential Expansion
Processes notably responsible for chemical weathering
- Oxidation
- Hydration
- Carbonation
Prescence of dissolved oxygens in water in contact with mineral surfaces tend to oxidation
Oxidation
Chemical union of water with a mineral. Effective on aluminum bearing minerals such as feldspar
Hydration
