All rocks are changed, but it depends on the density. A smooth, hard volcanic rock may take a while to weather because it has less friction, but a bumpy less dense rock may weather faster. However, all rocks wear down by means such as human touching, water, wind, or friction with other rocks. For example in tourist caves some rocks have become smooth from the human touch repeated over and over.
The two kinds of weathering are mechanical weathering, which breaks down rocks into smaller pieces without changing their chemical composition, and chemical weathering, which alters the chemical composition of rocks through processes like oxidation or dissolution.
Chemical weathering
Erosion and weathering over millions of years
Tree roots can grow in cracks of rocks and break the rocks. The rocks of mountains change due to many kinds of weathering.
Sedimentary rocks are primarily formed through the process of weathering, erosion, and deposition of sediments. These rocks include sandstone, limestone, shale, and conglomerate. Weathering breaks down existing rocks into smaller particles that are then compacted and cemented together to form sedimentary rocks.
It can be changed by being broken down in the weathering process just like all rocks. The resulting sediment can then be lithified to for a sedimentary rock.
Rocks that are commonly formed through weathering include sedimentary rocks such as sandstone, limestone, and shale. Weathering breaks down existing rocks into smaller fragments that can then be transported and deposited to create sedimentary rocks. These rocks often exhibit features like layers or cemented grains due to the deposition process.
Both mechanical weathering and chemical weathering are processes that break down rocks, but they work differently. Mechanical weathering involves physical processes like freezing and thawing that break rocks into smaller pieces, whereas chemical weathering involves reactions that chemically alter the composition of rocks. Both types of weathering can occur simultaneously and work together to transform rocks over time.
compacting and cementing
Mechanical weathering, specifically the process known as abrasion, occurs when only the size of a rock is changed. This process involves the physical breakdown of rocks into smaller pieces through the grinding and rubbing action of moving sediment or other rocks.
1) physical erosion. 2) chemical weathering.
1) physical erosion. 2) chemical weathering.