Weathering

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What is weathering?

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Weathering is the process that breaks down rocks and minerals into smaller pieces or changes their chemical composition.

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What are the two main types of weathering?

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Mechanical weathering and chemical weathering.

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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 due to reactions with water, acids, or gases.

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What is an example of mechanical weathering?

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An example of mechanical weathering is freeze-thaw action, where water seeps into cracks, freezes, and expands, breaking the rock apart.

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What is an example of chemical weathering?

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An example of chemical weathering is acid rain, which can dissolve minerals in rocks.

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What role does water play in weathering?

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Water contributes to both mechanical and chemical weathering by breaking down rocks and facilitating chemical reactions.

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What is biological weathering?

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Biological weathering occurs when living organisms, like plants and animals, break down rocks through physical or chemical means.

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How does wind contribute to weathering?

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Wind can erode rocks and soil by carrying small particles that wear away surfaces.

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What is the difference between weathering and erosion?

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Weathering is the breakdown of rocks, while erosion is the movement of those broken pieces from one place to another.