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What is chemical weathering?

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Chemical weathering is the process by which rocks are broken down by chemical reactions, often involving water, acids, or gases, leading to changes in the mineral composition.

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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, often caused by temperature changes, freeze-thaw cycles, or abrasion.

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What is erosion?

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

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What is deposition?

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Deposition is the process by which sediments, soil, and rocks are added to a landform or land mass, often occurring at the bottom of bodies of water.

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What is the role of the sun in the Earth's energy system?

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The sun is the primary source of energy for almost all processes on Earth, driving weather, photosynthesis, and the water cycle.

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What is abrasion in the context of weathering?

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Abrasion is a type of mechanical weathering where rocks are worn smooth by the friction and impact of wind or water carrying smaller particles.

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What is acid rain?

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Acid rain is precipitation that contains high levels of sulfuric or nitric acids, often resulting from air pollution, and can lead to chemical weathering of rocks.

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What is cementation in the formation of sedimentary rocks?

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Cementation is the process where dissolved minerals precipitate from water and fill the spaces between sediment grains, binding them together to form sedimentary rock.

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What is cooling in the context of rock formation?

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Cooling refers to the process where molten rock (magma or lava) loses heat and solidifies to form igneous rocks, not a process involved in sedimentary rock formation.

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What is the difference between weathering and erosion?

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