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Weathering is a process by which rocks and minerals are gradually broken down into smaller and smaller particles.
Weathering of rocks is caused by chemical and mechanical means. Slightly acidic rainwater can react with rock surfaces, dissolving them over time. Rocks can also be affected by organic sources of chemical reactants. Heat from the sun can cause differences in temperature between the surface and the interior of a rock which can cause a loosening of the surface called exfoliation. Liquid water penetrates cracks in the rocks surface where it can freeze and expand, opening up the cracks for further attack in tandem with acidic rainwater. Plant root growth can also cause cracks to further expand, making them more vulnerable to frost expansion and chemical attack. Underlying rock which is exposed due to erosion of the overlying rock becomes free of the pressure it was previously exposed to, causing the rock to expand and break apart. Other means of weathering include the expansion of crystallizing salts that have been taken in by a rock surface, expansion due to the absorption of water, and hydraulic action from crashing waves on seashore rock formations.
Wiki User
∙ 14y ago
Wiki User
∙ 13y agoWell.. Rocks break from a word called Erosion.
Erosion is the process of Earth being worn away, by Water, Glaciers, or Winds.
Take Chimney Rock (1 of Nebraska's Landmarks) for example:
Chimney Rock was formed by water flooding the area.
Wiki User
∙ 15y ago* volcanoes * earthquakes * rivers * rain wind * hammers * explosives * chemical reaction * ice * impact with stationary object or surface at collision after gravitational acceleration
Wiki User
∙ 12y agoThe thermal heating & cooling of rocks causes expansion & contraction of the rock.
so the continues cooling & heating result in break down of the rock.
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What are two important causes of mechanical weathering?
Temperature changes make rocks expand and contract and it is one of the important cause of mechanical weathering. Water abrasion is the other important cause. Wind and moving water cause rocks to rub against each other and the rocks could well break into smaller pieces.
Changes in temperature cause rock to?
Thermal expansion is the process by which rocks are cracked due temperature difference at night and morning....
What is the process in which rocks first bend and then break?
The process is called weathering because the changes in the weather break the rocks.
High pressure and high temperature cause rocks to?
High temperature and pressure can cause rocks to change their forms. This is known as metamorphic.High pressure and high temperature can cause rocks to change forms. This is known as metamorphic.
What produces the force that cause earthquakes as rocks move and break?
The force that cause Earthquakes as rocks to move and break are called plate tectonics
How do changes in temperature cause rocks to break down?
It breaks down the rocks
Why do rocks changes temperature?
Break apart
How can changes in temperature cause rocks to erode?
The temperature heats the rock and breaks it (erodes).
What are two important causes of mechanical weathering?
Temperature changes make rocks expand and contract and it is one of the important cause of mechanical weathering. Water abrasion is the other important cause. Wind and moving water cause rocks to rub against each other and the rocks could well break into smaller pieces.
What effects do temperature have on rocks?
Fluctuating temperatures have diverse effects on rocks. This may cause freezing, thawing and break down of the rocks among other effects.
Can temperatures break down rocks?
Yes. Temperature changes, water, wind, pressure changes, plant and animal action, and gravity are all agents of physical weathing.
Changes in temperature cause rock to?
Thermal expansion is the process by which rocks are cracked due temperature difference at night and morning....
What is the process in which rocks first bend and then break?
The process is called weathering because the changes in the weather break the rocks.
Changes in pressure which can cause rocks to crack is an example of what?
Changes in pressure which can cause rocks to crack is an example of mechanical weathering. It refers to the disintegration and decomposition of rocks.
High pressure and high temperature cause rocks to?
High temperature and pressure can cause rocks to change their forms. This is known as metamorphic.High pressure and high temperature can cause rocks to change forms. This is known as metamorphic.
What can cause rocks to contract?
a decrease in temperature
What produces the force that cause earthquakes as rocks move and break?
The force that cause Earthquakes as rocks to move and break are called plate tectonics
