5.1 Weathering Flashcard

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What is weathering?

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Weathering is the process of breaking down rocks and minerals into smaller pieces through physical, chemical, or biological means.

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What is physical weathering?

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Physical weathering is the mechanical breakdown of rocks without changing their chemical composition, often caused by temperature changes, freeze-thaw cycles, or abrasion.

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What is chemical weathering?

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Chemical weathering involves the chemical alteration of minerals in rocks, often through reactions with water, acids, or gases, leading to the formation of new minerals.

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What is spheroidal weathering?

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Spheroidal weathering is a type of weathering that results in rounded rock shapes due to the preferential weathering of corners and edges.

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What role does water play in weathering?

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Water facilitates both physical and chemical weathering processes, such as freeze-thaw cycles and chemical reactions with minerals.

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What is ice wedging?

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

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How does surface area affect weathering?

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Increased surface area allows more exposure of rock to weathering agents, leading to a faster rate of weathering.

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What is the impact of climate on weathering?

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Climate affects weathering rates; warmer, wetter climates typically increase chemical weathering, while colder climates may enhance physical weathering.

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What is the significance of mineral composition in weathering?

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Different minerals weather at different rates; for example, quartz is more resistant to weathering than feldspar.

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What is exfoliation?

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Exfoliation is a weathering process where layers of rock peel away due to pressure release or temperature changes.