Weathering

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What is physical weathering?

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Physical weathering is the process of breaking down rocks and minerals into smaller pieces without changing their chemical composition. An example is the freezing and thawing of water in rock cracks.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

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What is chemical weathering?

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Chemical weathering involves the chemical alteration of minerals in rocks, leading to their breakdown. This can occur through processes like acid rain or the action of lichens.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-2

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What is ice wedging?

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Ice wedging is a type of physical weathering where water seeps into cracks in rocks, freezes, expands, and causes the rock to break apart.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

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How do plant roots contribute to weathering?

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Plant roots can cause both physical and chemical weathering. Physically, they can grow into cracks and break rocks apart. Chemically, they can release acids that alter the minerals in the rocks.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

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What role does acid rain play in weathering?

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Acid rain causes chemical weathering by reacting with minerals in rocks, leading to their dissolution and breakdown.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

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What are lichens and how do they affect rocks?

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Lichens are small green plants that grow on rocks and release enzymes and acids that chemically weather the rock, breaking it down over time.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

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What is the difference between physical and chemical weathering?

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Physical weathering breaks rocks into smaller pieces without changing their composition, while chemical weathering alters the minerals in the rocks through chemical reactions.

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Can weathering occur without erosion?

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Yes, weathering can occur without erosion. Weathering is the breakdown of rocks, while erosion involves the movement of those broken pieces.

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What is the significance of weathering in the rock cycle?

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Weathering is a crucial part of the rock cycle as it breaks down rocks into soil and sediments, which can then be transported and deposited elsewhere.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-1

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What are some common agents of physical weathering?

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Common agents of physical weathering include temperature changes, freeze-thaw cycles, water, wind, and biological activity.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2