Weathering and Erosion

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What is weathering?

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The process of breaking down rocks into smaller pieces through physical or chemical means.

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What is erosion?

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The process by which water, ice, wind, or gravity moves fragments of rock and soil.

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What is mechanical weathering?

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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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The process that breaks down rocks through chemical reactions, often involving water and acids.

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What is frost wedging?

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A type of mechanical weathering where water seeps into cracks, freezes, and expands, causing the rock to break apart.

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How do plants contribute to weathering?

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Plants weather rocks when their roots grow into cracks and expand, breaking the rock apart.

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What is the role of acid rain in weathering?

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Acid rain can chemically weather rocks by dissolving minerals and altering their composition.

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What is an example of mechanical weathering?

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Frost wedging is an example of mechanical weathering.

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What is an example of chemical weathering?

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Acidic groundwater dissolving limestone is an example of chemical weathering.

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What is the difference between weathering and erosion?

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Weathering breaks down rocks; erosion moves the broken pieces away.