weathering processes Flashcards

1
Q

what is physical weathering?
give an example
what landforms can they create?
are they significant for glaciers ?

A

•Physical weathering is the process by which rocks break down into smaller pieces
•one example is freeze-thaw weathering, when water gets into cracks in rocks and freezes, expanding it until it eventually breaks open
• it can create scree slops
• yea it’s significant for a glacier as it’s the main weathering process which helps shape the landscape

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2
Q

what is chemical weathering? give an example
what landforms can they create?
how significant is it in terms of glaciation?

A
  • the process of breaking down rocks through chemical reactions often involving water
  • one example is the reaction of carbon dioxide with rainwater to form carbonic acid, which dissolves limestone
  • this can create caves.
  • very significant as it’s the main form of subaerial weathering that takes places in glaciated landscapes
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3
Q

what is biological weathering? give an example.
is it significant in terms of glaciation?

A
  • the process where rock is broken down by living organisms.
  • e.g tree roots grow
  • not very significant as there’s not much vegetation where the glaciers are, since it’s cold
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4
Q

how do tree roots erode?

A
  • through a process called root wedging.
  • As tree roots grow, they can create cracks and in rocks and soil, and expand overtime causing the rock to break apart.
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5
Q

what is chelation?

A

-a chemical weathering process where organic compounds or acids bind to metal ions and dissolve in the glacial meltwater.

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6
Q

what is hydrolysis?

A
  • a chemical weathering process where rocks or minerals are broken down due to the reaction with water.
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7
Q

what is hydration ?

A
  • a chemical process where water molecules interact with minerals, such as clays or salts
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8
Q

what is carbonation ?

A
  • a chemical weathering process where carbon dioxide or carbonic acid reacts with rock like calcium carbonate (CaCO3), found in rocks like limestone.
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9
Q

what is oxidation?

A
  • a chemical weathering process where oxygen reacts with the rock and minerals within it, leading to changes in their chemical composition.
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10
Q

what is solution ?

A
  • when soluble minerals and materials dissolve in water.
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11
Q

what is frost shattering?

A
  • a physical weathering process that occurs when water seeps into cracks in rocks and then freezes and expands causing the rock to break apart overtime.
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12
Q

what is pressure release?
what does it form?

A
  • a physical weathering process when the pressure on a rock decreases, often due to melting or the movement of the glacier which causes the rocks to crack
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