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 various physical, chemical, and biological processes.

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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.

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What is chemical weathering?

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Chemical weathering involves the chemical alteration of minerals in rocks, often resulting in the formation of new minerals and soluble substances.

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What is an example of chemical weathering?

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An example of chemical weathering is the rusting of iron in rocks due to exposure to oxygen and moisture.

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What is an example of mechanical weathering?

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An example of mechanical weathering is the physical breaking of rocks by freeze-thaw cycles.

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What role does acid rain play in weathering?

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Acid rain causes chemical weathering by reacting with minerals in rocks, leading to their breakdown.

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How do plant roots contribute to weathering?

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Plant roots can widen cracks in rocks, contributing to physical weathering.

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What is frost action?

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Frost action is a type of physical weathering where water freezes in cracks of rocks, expands, and causes the rocks to break apart.

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How does surface area affect weathering?

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Smaller rock pieces have more exposed surface area, which increases the rate of weathering.

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What is the difference between physical and chemical weathering?

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Physical weathering breaks rocks into smaller pieces without changing their composition, while chemical weathering alters the minerals in the rocks.