weathering processes Flashcards
1
Q
What is weathering?
A
Gradual break down of the the coastal landscape
2
Q
Name the weathering processes
A
- wetting and drying
- slat crystallisation
- biological weathering
- chemical weathering (carbonation and oxidation)
- freeze thaw
3
Q
What is wetting and drying?
A
Cliff becoming wet and expanding then drying which constricts it and weakens the joints
4
Q
What is salt crystallisation?
A
Sea water splashes on cliff and dries leaving salt crystals which exert pressure on cliff
5
Q
What is biological weathering?
A
Natural processes
- rooots of plants in the cliff
- animals burrowing in the cliff
6
Q
What is carbonation?
A
Sea water + carbon dioxide makes sea water slightly acidic which can dissolve rock
7
Q
What is oxidation?
A
Rock minerals + oxygen break up the rock
8
Q
What is freeze thaw?
A
Water everting the cliff and expanding in the day and freezing in the night which constricts it and weakens the joints
