Weathering Processes Flashcards
1
Q
Solution?
A
Minerals are dissolved by water so the rest of the rock breaks up into crystals
2
Q
Wetting and drying
A
Clay minerals absorb water and swell, creating pressure within the rock
3
Q
Hydration
A
Minerals absorb water and swell creating pressure on the rock which causes flaking and disintegration
4
Q
Granular disintegration?
A
Different coloured parts of the rock heat at different rates
5
Q
Exfoliation
A
The sun heats the rock and expands. At night it cools and contracts.
6
Q
Salt weathering
A
Saltwater is brought to the surface and water evaporates, leaving salt crystals
7
Q
Conditions for weathering?
A
A large diurnal range
Water comes from flash floods, seasonal rains, nocturnal few or coastal fog
8
Q
Oxidation?
A
Oxygen dissolved in water reacting with minerals in the rock
