Understanding Weathering

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Weathering

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The process that breaks down rock and other substances.

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Uniformitarianism

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The principle that the same natural processes observed today also occurred in the past.

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Erosion

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The movement of weathered materials by wind, water, or ice.

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Mechanical Weathering

Back

The type of weathering in which rock is physically broken down into smaller pieces.

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Chemical Weathering

Back

The breakdown of rocks through chemical changes.

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Abrasion

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The wearing away of rock by rock particles carried by water, ice, wind, or gravity.

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Frost Wedging

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When wedges of ice in rocks widen and deepen cracks.

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Oxidation

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Chemical reaction of rock minerals with oxygen, often forming rust.

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Permeable

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Rocks that allow water to pass through due to tiny holes.