Weathering

Front

What is weathering?

Back

Weathering is the process that breaks down rocks and minerals at the Earth's surface through physical, chemical, and biological means.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-1

Front

What are the two main types of weathering?

Back

The two main types of weathering are physical (mechanical) weathering and chemical weathering.

Front

What is physical weathering?

Back

Physical weathering is the process of breaking down rocks into smaller pieces without changing their chemical composition.

Front

What is chemical weathering?

Back

Chemical weathering involves the chemical alteration of minerals in rocks, leading to changes in their composition.

Front

Give an example of physical weathering.

Back

An example of physical weathering is the freeze-thaw cycle, where water seeps into cracks in rocks, freezes, expands, and causes the rock to break apart.

Front

What is an example of chemical weathering?

Back

An example of chemical weathering is the formation of rust on iron-rich rocks when they react with oxygen and moisture.

Front

How does temperature change contribute to weathering?

Back

Temperature changes cause rocks to expand and contract, leading to stress and eventual fracturing.

Front

What role does water play in weathering?

Back

Water can facilitate both physical and chemical weathering by transporting minerals, causing freeze-thaw cycles, and participating in chemical reactions.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

Front

What is biological weathering?

Back

Biological weathering occurs when living organisms, such as plants and animals, contribute to the breakdown of rocks through physical or chemical means.

Front

What is the impact of climate on weathering?

Back

Climate affects the rate of weathering; for example, warm and wet climates typically increase chemical weathering rates.