Rocks and Weathering

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What is chemical weathering?

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Chemical weathering is the process by which rocks are broken down by chemical reactions, often involving water and acids.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-2

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What is mechanical weathering?

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Mechanical weathering is the physical breakdown of rocks into smaller pieces without changing their chemical composition.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

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What role does carbon dioxide play in weathering?

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Carbon dioxide mixes with water to form carbonic acid, which can dissolve limestone and contribute to chemical weathering.

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How do plant roots contribute to weathering?

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Plant roots can grow into cracks in rocks, prying them open and causing mechanical weathering.

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What is permeable rock?

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Permeable rock is rock that is full of tiny air spaces, allowing water to flow through it.

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What determines the rate of weathering?

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The rate of weathering is determined by the type of rock and the climate in which it is found.

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What is erosion?

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Erosion is the process by which soil and rock are removed from one location and transported to another, often by wind, water, or ice.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

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What is uniformitarianism?

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Uniformitarianism is the principle that the processes that shaped the Earth in the past are the same as those we observe today.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

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What is acid rain?

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Acid rain is precipitation that contains high levels of sulfuric or nitric acids, which can lead to chemical weathering of rocks.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-2

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What is the impact of freezing and thawing on rocks?

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Freezing and thawing can cause mechanical weathering as water seeps into cracks, freezes, expands, and eventually breaks the rock apart.