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Weathering is the breakdown of a rock into 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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Can plants break rocks and be a wheathering tool?

yes it can


What occurs during the wheathering process?

During the weathering process, rocks and minerals are broken down into smaller pieces through mechanical or chemical means. Mechanical weathering involves physical forces like wind, water, and ice breaking rocks apart, while chemical weathering involves the breakdown of minerals due to chemical reactions with water, oxygen, or acids. Together, these processes contribute to the transformation of rocks into sediment and soil over time.


Describe how the stone could change and what types of wheathering will cause these changes?

Stones can change through physical weathering, where processes like freeze-thaw cycles or abrasion break them down into smaller pieces. Chemical weathering can also alter stones by reacting with minerals in the stone, causing them to dissolve or change composition. Biological weathering, such as the growth of plants or organisms on the stone, can also cause changes over time.


What is wheathering?

Weathering is the process by which rocks and minerals are broken down into smaller pieces through exposure to environmental factors such as water, wind, temperature changes, and living organisms. There are two types of weathering: mechanical (physical) weathering, which involves the physical breakdown of rocks without changing their chemical composition, and chemical weathering, which involves the alteration of rocks through chemical reactions.


What are 5 types of wheathering that happen on land?

Mechanical weathering: Physical breakdown of rocks into smaller fragments due to factors such as frost action and root wedging. Chemical weathering: Breakdown of rocks through chemical processes like oxidation, hydrolysis, and dissolution. Biological weathering: Weathering caused by the actions of living organisms, such as burrowing animals and plant roots. Thermal weathering: Breakdown of rocks due to temperature fluctuations, leading to expansion and contraction. Salt weathering: Weathering caused by the deposition and crystallization of salt minerals within rock crevices, leading to physical stress and breakdown.

Related Questions

What cause wheathering?

Climate change


Can plants break rocks and be a wheathering tool?

yes it can


What are the agents of wheatherinG ROCKS?

Water, Wind, Plant growth.


Why do trees grow along side walls due to wheathering?

they dont


Wheathering and erosion of earths crust are primarily caused by?

water wind.


What are the three natural occurrences that favor the formation of fossils?

wheathering,erosion and cementing


The process of physical wheathering?

Physical weathering is the breakdown of rocks and minerals into smaller pieces through processes such as freezing and thawing, temperature changes, and abrasion by wind, water, or ice. This can result in the formation of smaller fragments and particles that are then transported and deposited by various natural forces. Over time, physical weathering can contribute to the formation of sedimentary rocks.


What are the agents of wheathering?

Primarily rain, ice and wind, but it can be sand where there is sand (deserts and beaches).


Is oxidation the chemical reaction of carbon dioxide with other substances?

No, it's called carbonization (wheathering of limestone)


Is the chemical reaction of carbonization with other substances called oxidation?

No, it's called carbonization (wheathering of limestone)


What causes wheathering and erosion?

Moving water


What feature would be most more affected by wheathering?

The outer appearance of an object, such as its color, texture, or shape, would be most affected by weathering. Over time, exposure to the elements can cause fading, erosion, or degradation of these physical features.