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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.

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What of these does not cause physical weathering?

Chemical weathering does not cause physical weathering. Chemical weathering refers to the breakdown of rocks through chemical reactions, while physical weathering is the process of breaking down rocks into smaller pieces without changing their chemical composition.


Can weathering have an effect of the breaking down of rocks?

Yes, weathering can break down rocks through physical or chemical processes. Physical weathering can occur through freezing and thawing, while chemical weathering can happen through reactions with water, oxygen, or acids. Over time, these processes can cause rocks to crumble or dissolve into smaller fragments.


Do mountain rocks cause chemical or mechanical weathering?

Mountain rocks can undergo both chemical and mechanical weathering. Mechanical weathering breaks rocks into smaller pieces through physical processes like frost wedging and abrasion. Chemical weathering involves the breakdown of rocks through chemical reactions, such as oxidation or dissolution, which can alter the composition of the rock.


Is a tornado least responsible for the weathering of rocks?

Yes, tornadoes are not a significant factor in the weathering of rocks. Tornadoes mainly cause physical erosion by moving and transporting rocks and sediment. Other factors like water, wind, and temperature fluctuations play a larger role in the chemical and mechanical weathering of rocks over time.


Does temperature changes cause chemical weathering?

Yes, temperature changes can cause chemical weathering by expanding and contracting rock materials, leading to the breakdown of minerals and weakening of rocks. For example, freezing and thawing cycles can cause rocks to crack and break apart, accelerating the chemical weathering process.

Related Questions

Does chemical weathering cause a break down in the color and size of rocks?

Chemical weathering breaks down rocks


What cause rocks in a stream to be smooth?

flowing water


What of these does not cause physical weathering?

Chemical weathering does not cause physical weathering. Chemical weathering refers to the breakdown of rocks through chemical reactions, while physical weathering is the process of breaking down rocks into smaller pieces without changing their chemical composition.


What is the main cause of rocks weathering?

The movement of the waves.


How do acids in groundwater cause chemical weathering?

It causes chemical weathering because when it touches rocks, the rocks dissolve, forming caves.


What type of weathering does plant cause?

Plants can cause mechanical weathering by growing into cracks in rocks and breaking them apart as their roots expand. They can also cause chemical weathering by releasing acids and other compounds that break down the minerals in rocks.


Why do many rocks become rounded?

Erosion and weathering will cause rocks to become rounded.


Can weathering have an effect of the breaking down of rocks?

Yes, weathering can break down rocks through physical or chemical processes. Physical weathering can occur through freezing and thawing, while chemical weathering can happen through reactions with water, oxygen, or acids. Over time, these processes can cause rocks to crumble or dissolve into smaller fragments.


Do mountain rocks cause chemical or mechanical weathering?

Mountain rocks can undergo both chemical and mechanical weathering. Mechanical weathering breaks rocks into smaller pieces through physical processes like frost wedging and abrasion. Chemical weathering involves the breakdown of rocks through chemical reactions, such as oxidation or dissolution, which can alter the composition of the rock.


What does weathering cause?

weathering results in the disintegration of rocks on a large scale. then these rocks break-up and forms soil and the soil forms the soil profile.


Is a tornado least responsible for the weathering of rocks?

Yes, tornadoes are not a significant factor in the weathering of rocks. Tornadoes mainly cause physical erosion by moving and transporting rocks and sediment. Other factors like water, wind, and temperature fluctuations play a larger role in the chemical and mechanical weathering of rocks over time.


How are rocks weathered by animals?

When animals walk across them it can cause weathering.