w1 Flashcards
Process of breakdown of rocks on Earth
weathering
Caused by actions involving water, ice, acids, salts, plants, animals, gravity and changing temperatures.
weathering
Happens especially in places where there is little soil
and few plants.
physical weathering
Caused by the effects of changing temperature, and it
is sometimes assisted by water.
physical weathering
Scraping and “wearing away”
abrasion
wind is the main culprit
physical weathering
Water seeps inside
the rock, freezes,
and then expands.
freeze thaw
usually in cold regions
freeze thaw
It can happen as
cracks when there
is a loss of pressure
on the rock.
exfoliation
onion skin
exfoliaton
Caused by rainwater reacting to the mineral grains in
rocks to form new crystals and soluble salts.
chemical weathering
Rapidly occurs at higher temperatures, warm and damp environments are best.
chemical weathering
Carbon dioxide in the
air dissolves in
rainwater
carbonation
This “weak” carbonic
acid can dissolve
limestone by seeping
into the cavities and
cracks of it.
carbonation
Polluting gases (sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide)
dissolves in rainwater to produce acid rain.
acidification
very corrosive, and attacks many rock
types, seriously damaging buildings and other
structure.
acid rain
produces Acidic or Basic water and breaks the bond of other atoms
hydrolysis
Water reacts chemically with the rocks, modifying its
chemical structure.
Water attaches itself to the compound.
hydration
Breakdown of rocks
by oxygen and
water, often giving
it a rusty-colored
weathered surface.
oxidation
Rocks are weakened by biological agents such as
plants and animals.
biological weathering
Some plants and animals produce acidic substances that react with rocks and causes its slow disintegration.
by chemical compounds
When plant roots grow, it would create fracture and cracks that eventually results to rock
breakage.
biological weathering
Burrowing animals such shrews and moles
create holes in the ground by excavation,
thus moving rock fragments to the surface.
Humans also contribute to this.
by physical means
