Weathering

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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.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

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What is physical weathering?

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Physical weathering is the process of breaking down rocks without changing their chemical composition, often through mechanical forces like freezing and thawing.

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What is chemical weathering?

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Chemical weathering involves the alteration of the chemical structure of rocks and minerals, often through reactions with water, acids, or gases.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

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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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What are examples of chemical weathering?

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Examples of chemical weathering include dissolving, oxidation, and the effects of acid rain.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-1

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What is abrasion in the context of weathering?

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Abrasion is a type of physical weathering that occurs when rocks and particles are worn down by friction and impact from wind, water, or ice.

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How does acid rain contribute to weathering?

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Acid rain can chemically break down minerals in rocks, leading to erosion and the formation of small holes or pits.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

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What role does temperature play in physical weathering?

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

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-4

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What is the difference between erosion and weathering?

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Weathering is the breakdown of rocks, while erosion is the movement of those broken materials from one location to another.

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What is the impact of freezing on rocks?

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Freezing can cause physical weathering as water expands when it freezes, leading to cracks and fragmentation in rocks.