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Physical weathering is caused by elements of nature. It is known as mechanical weathering to distinguish it from the other types of weathering namely chemical and biological. It occurs mechanically, by the breakdown due to natural components.

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Q: Why is physical weathering also known as mechanical weathering?
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Type of physical weathering?

Therew is only to types of weathering in my knowledge and they are Mechanical and Chemical (in scientific term). Mechanical is also know as physical.


What is water freezing in the crack of a rock an example of?

Water freezing in the cracks of rock is an example of Mechanical Weathering also referred to as Physical Weathering.


What kind of weathering is the breaking of rocks?

The naturally occurring breaking of rocks into smaller pieces is called physical (or mechanical) weathering. The other forms are biological and chemical weathering. All result in the diminution in size of the original rock.


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.


Compare and contrast mechanical weathering and chemical weathering?

Mechanical weathering provides fresh surfaces for attack by chemical processes, and chemical weathering weakens the rock so that it is more susceptible to mechanical weathering.


What type of weathering breaks down rocks without changing its chemical properties?

Physical (also referred to as mechanical) weathering does not cause a change in the chemistry of a rock, only a diminution of size.


What causes the mechanical weathering in the Sahara?

Mechanical weathering in the Sahara is mainly caused by the wind. Other weathering is also caused by freezing temperatures and extreme heat.


Do plant roots cause mechanical weathering?

Plant roots cause Biological weathering which is indeed Mechanical in its nature. Animals burrowing is also a cause of Biological weathering.


The type of weathering caused by physical means is what type of weathering?

Mechanical (physical) weathering is the breakdown of rock into smaller particles due to such factors as freezing and thawing, release of pressure, water absorption, salt crystal formation, landmass uplift, expansion and contraction from the sun or fire, plant root growth, actions of animals, abrasion, or other means that do not directly affect the rock's chemistry.


What contribute to mechanical and chemical weathering?

Mechanical weathering includes abrading or crushing. Chemical weathering includes dissolution in water or acid rain. Oxidation and reduction reactions can also cause chemical weathering.


What is the differences of chemical and mechanical weathering?

Mechanical weathering is the breaking down of rock without chemical reaction.Mechanical weathering is also when water gets into the cracks of the rocks and makes the rocks expand.Like ice wedging.while chemical weathering changes the rocks by chemicals.


How does release of pressure affect mechanical weathering?

There are two main types of weathering: mechanical (also called 'physical') and chemical. Pressure release is a form of mechanical weathering. Pressure release usually occurs when rock that has been deeply buried, rises toward the surface due to the erosion of the mass of rock above it. Pressure release causes fractures and exfoliation in the depressurizing rock body. These fractures in the rock make it more susceptible to, and accelerate, other modes of mechanical weathering attack, such as freeze/thaw hydraulics and plant root growth.