Weathering

The breakdown of rocks into smaller particles.

2 Types

1.Physical: Only size and shape changes.

2.Chemical: composition changes

Surface Area

Physical Weathering

What causes physical weathering?

1. Ice = freezing and thawing (frost cycle).

Physical Weathering

2. Wind = rocks get pitted from blown particles.

Ventifact = angular, pitted rock with 1 or more flat sides.

Physical Weathering

3. Water = rocks become round, smooth and smaller.

Abrasion = rocks break down from rubbing against each other.

Physical Weathering

4. Plants = roots grow and expand, breaking rock apart.

Physical Weathering

5. Animals =

Ants / Worms

Humans

Chemical Weathering

3 Types

1. Oxidation = reaction with O2

2. Hydrolysis = reaction with H2O

3. Carbonation = reaction with CO2

** Occurs faster in hot and wet weather.

Oxidation

Hydrolysis

Carbonation

Salt (Honeycomb)