Weathering and Erosion

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What is weathering?

Back

The process of breaking down rocks into smaller pieces through physical or chemical means.

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What is erosion?

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The process by which soil and rock are removed from one location and transported to another.

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How does a weathered mountain differ from an unweathered mountain?

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A weathered mountain would be rounder and less jagged.

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What is mechanical weathering?

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A type of weathering that physically breaks down rocks into smaller pieces without changing their chemical composition.

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What is chemical weathering?

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A type of weathering that involves the chemical alteration of minerals in rocks, often leading to new minerals.

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What is deposition in the context of erosion?

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The process where eroded materials are dropped in new places, changing the Earth's surface.

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What factors affect the rate of weathering?

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The type of rock and climate.

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What is an example of mechanical weathering?

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Frost wedging, where water freezes in cracks of rocks and expands, breaking the rock apart.

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What is an example of chemical weathering?

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A metal statue turning green due to oxidation after being outside for years.

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What role does climate play in weathering?

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Climate affects the rate of weathering; for example, warmer and wetter climates typically increase chemical weathering.