Weathering & Erosion

Front

What is weathering?

Back

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

Front

What is erosion?

Back

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

Front

Define mechanical weathering.

Back

The process through which rocks are physically broken into smaller pieces without changing their chemical composition.

Front

What is chemical weathering?

Back

The process that involves chemical reactions that dissolve or alter the minerals in rocks, changing them into different materials.

Front

What is an example of mechanical weathering?

Back

Frost wedging, where water seeps into cracks in rocks, freezes, and expands, causing the rock to break apart.

Front

How does surface area affect weathering?

Back

Rocks with more surface area exposed will experience weathering at a faster rate.

Front

What is oxidation in the context of weathering?

Back

A chemical weathering process where oxygen reacts with minerals, often resulting in rusting of metals.

Front

What role do plant roots play in weathering?

Back

Plant roots can grow into cracks in rocks, exerting pressure and causing mechanical weathering.

Front

What is the difference between weathering and erosion?

Back

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

Front

What is biological weathering?

Back

Weathering that occurs due to the actions of living organisms, such as plants, animals, and microbes.