Weathering and Erosion Flashcard

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What is Physical Weathering?

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Physical Weathering is the process of breaking down rocks into smaller pieces without changing their chemical composition. An example is the freezing and thawing of water in cracks of rocks.

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What is Chemical Weathering?

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Chemical Weathering involves the breakdown of rocks through chemical reactions, often involving water and acids. An example is the reaction of rocks with acid rain.

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What is Biological Weathering?

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Biological Weathering is the breakdown of rocks caused by the actions of living organisms, such as plants and animals. An example is tree roots growing into cracks in rocks.

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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 water, wind, or ice.

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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 to a different location.

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What role does water play in weathering?

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Water can cause both physical and chemical weathering. It can freeze in cracks, causing physical weathering, and it can react with minerals, causing chemical weathering.

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What is Frost Wedging?

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Frost Wedging is a type of physical weathering where water seeps into cracks in rocks, freezes, expands, and eventually breaks the rock apart.

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What is the impact of acid rain on rocks?

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Acid rain can lead to chemical weathering by reacting with minerals in rocks, causing them to dissolve and break down.

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How do plants contribute to weathering?

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Plants contribute to weathering through Biological Weathering, where their roots grow into rocks, exerting pressure and breaking them apart.

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What is the role of wind in erosion?

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Wind can erode surfaces by carrying small particles away, especially in dry and sandy environments.