Weathering and Erosion Flashcards
What is weathering?
Weathering is the process that breaks down rocks into smaller pieces called scree
What are the agents of weathering?
The agents of weathering are frost, extreme changes of temperature and chemical reactions
What is erosion?
Erosion breaks down rock but it also carries the pieces away, leaving them somewhere else
What is the name given to the wearing away of the earths surface by weathering and erosion?
The name given to the wearing away of the earths surface by weathering and erosion is denudation
Weathering + Erosion = ?
Denudation
What are the three types of weathering?
Mechanical weathering, Chemical weathering and Biological weathering
What is mechanical weathering?
Mechanical weathering is when rocks break and are split apart by pressure caused by frost or heat
What is Chemical weathering?
Chemical weathering is ricks dissolve and rot away due to a chemical reaction with water
What is Biological weathering?
Biological weathering is sometimes the action of plants, animals and people can add to the speed of Chemical and Mechanical weathering
Where does freeze-thaw action happen?
Freeze-thaw action happens anywhere water is repeatedly frozen and thawed
Where does freeze-thaw action happen?
Freeze-that’s action happens in uplands, e.g. the Wicklow Mountains and in lowlands
What is one type of Chemical weathering?
One type of Chemical weathering is Carbonation
How does Carbonation happen?
Carbonation happens when the acidic rainwater breaks down (dissolves) rock
What is the fastest rock to dissolve?
Limestone is the fastest rock to dissolve because it allows water to pass through it and is made of calcium carbonate which easily dissolves in rainwater
What is Ireland’s most common rock?
Limestone is Ireland most common rock
