answersLogoWhite

0


Best Answer

Because roots physically encompass and break down soil.

User Avatar

Wiki User

10y ago
This answer is:
User Avatar

Add your answer:

Earn +20 pts
Q: How is plant root growth mechanical weathering?
Write your answer...
Submit
Still have questions?
magnify glass
imp
Continue Learning about Earth Science

What does the term mechanical weathering mean?

Mechanical or physical weathering is a process in which a rock is broken down into smaller pieces by factors such as water absorption or freezing and thawing. It can also be caused by plant root growth.


What mechanical weathering process results in enlargement of fractures and extension of them deeper into large boulders and bedrock?

Frost wedging would be the primary process. Other mechanical weathering processes resulting in the extension of rock fracturing could include pressure release from uplift, and plant root growth.


What is the breakdown of rock into smaller pieces by physical means?

Mechanical weathering is the breakdown of rock into smaller pieces by physical means. \o/


Is root wedging a form of chemical weathering?

No. Root wedging is a form of mechanical weathering.


Mechanical weathering or erosion is more rapid in what type of climate?

There are many types of mechanical weathering, some due to climatic conditions, some not. Excluding non-climatic causes, mechanical weathering such as plant root growth, would be assisted by tropical conditions which encourage plant growth and root hydraulics. In desert regions, weathering is more rapid under conditions of high wind, which causes abrasion of rock surfaces. In areas that experience hot/cold alternating temperatures, frost wedging and thermal stress will contribute to rapid mechanical weathering. The type of rock being exposed to agents of mechanical weathering would also play a part in the speed at which the weathering takes place, as some rock varieties are more easily mechanically weathered than others.

Related questions

What are the four causes of mechanical weathering?

ice wedging pressure release plant root growth and abrasion


Is plant root growth mechanical weathering?

Because roots physically encompass and break down soil.


Explian the four types of mechanical weathering?

ice wedging/frost wedging, pressure release, plant root growth, abrasion.


What does the term mechanical weathering mean?

Mechanical or physical weathering is a process in which a rock is broken down into smaller pieces by factors such as water absorption or freezing and thawing. It can also be caused by plant root growth.


What is called when rocks break down without changing in chemical composition?

Mechanical weathering.


What are two ways mechanical weathering change rocks?

Two forms of mechanical weathering are frost heaving and plant root wedging. All forms of mechanical weathering result in the breakage of rock into smaller size particles.


What mechanical weathering process results in enlargement of fractures and extension of them deeper into large boulders and bedrock?

Frost wedging would be the primary process. Other mechanical weathering processes resulting in the extension of rock fracturing could include pressure release from uplift, and plant root growth.


What is the breakdown of rock into smaller pieces by physical means?

Mechanical weathering is the breakdown of rock into smaller pieces by physical means. \o/


Is root wedging a form of chemical weathering?

No. Root wedging is a form of mechanical weathering.


What does the term mechanism mean?

Mechanical or physical weathering is a process in which a rock is broken down into smaller pieces by factors such as water absorption or freezing and thawing. It can also be caused by plant root growth.


What are two ways that mechanical weathering changes rocks?

Ice live


What are two ways rocks are mechanically weathered?

Two forms of mechanical weathering are frost heaving and plant root wedging. All forms of mechanical weathering result in the breakage of rock into smaller size particles.