Weathering Flashcards
What is physical weathering caused by?
Physical weathering is caused by the elements and weather.
What is chemical weathering caused by?
Chemicals affecting the rock.
What is biological weathering?
The breakdown of rocks by plants and animals.
What is exfoliation?
The gradual wearing away of rocks from long exposure to the elements and atmosphere.
What is solution weathering?
Solution weathering is the removal of rock in a solution by acidic rainwater, in particular limestone is destroyed (also known as carbonation.)
What is hydrolysis weathering?
Hydrolysis is the acidic breaking down of rocks by acidic water.
What is oxidation weathering?
Oxidation is the breaking down of rocks by oxygen and water.
What are the three main objects that cause biological weathering?
Animals
Plants
Microorganisms
What is freeze-thaw weathering?
Freeze-thaw weathering occurs when water continually seeps into cracks, freezes and expands eventually breaking the rock apart.
What is sand blasting?
The effect on rocks of being hit by small particles of sand carried by the wind.
What is weathering?
The breaking down of rocks into smaller pieces without mineral changes.
