Weathering

Front

What is weathering?

Back

The process of breaking down rocks and minerals into smaller pieces or altering their chemical composition.

Front

What are the two main types of weathering?

Back

Mechanical weathering and chemical weathering.

Front

What is mechanical weathering?

Back

The physical breakdown of rocks into smaller pieces without changing their chemical composition.

Front

What is chemical weathering?

Back

The breakdown of rocks through chemical changes, often involving reactions with water, acids, or gases.

Front

What is an example of mechanical weathering?

Back

A rock splitting because of a tree root growing in it.

Front

What is an example of chemical weathering?

Back

A rock changing color due to acid rain.

Front

What role does surface area play in weathering?

Back

A larger surface area increases the rate of weathering because more of the rock is exposed to weathering agents.

Front

What is acid rain?

Back

Rain that has been made acidic by pollutants in the atmosphere, leading to chemical weathering.

Front

What is the effect of temperature on weathering?

Back

Temperature changes can cause rocks to expand and contract, leading to mechanical weathering.

Front

What is the main factor that determines the rate of weathering in permeable rocks?

Back

Surface area.