Rate of Weathering

Weathering

©Nitty Gritty Science,
LLC

Weathering – process
that breaks down rock and
other substances of
Earth’s surface

Erosion – removal of rock
particles by wind, water,
ice or gravity

Together, weathering and
erosion work continuously
to wear down the material
on Earth’s surface.

©Nitty Gritty Science,
LLC

Multiple Select

What two forces work continuously to wear down the material on Earth's surface?

• weathering

• erosion

• decomposition

• climate

Weathering acts slowly,
but over time will break
down the largest and
hardest of rocks

•Mechanical
weathering rock is
physically broken down
into smaller pieces by
processes

•Chemical weathering
process that breaks
down rocks through
chemical changes

©Nitty Gritty Science,
LLC

Multiple Choice

Which process acts slowly but over time will break down the largest and hardest of rocks?

• erosion

• weathering

Match

Match the following

• weathering

• mechanical weathering

• chemical weathering

process that breaks down rock and other substances of Earth's surface

rock is physically broken down into smaller pieces

process that breaks down rocks through chemical changes

• process that breaks down rock and other substances of Earth's surface

• rock is physically broken down into smaller pieces

• process that breaks down rocks through chemical changes

Mechanical Weathering

©Nitty Gritty Science,
LLC

Chemical Weathering

©Nitty Gritty Science,
LLC

Important factors
that determine the
rate at which
weathering occur
are:

•Climate – refers to
the average weather
conditions in an
area; both types of
weathering occur
faster in wet
climates
•Type of rock –
some minerals
dissolve faster than
others

©Nitty Gritty Science,
LLC

Multiple Select

What are the two important facotrs that determine the rate at which weathering occurs?

• climate

• erosion

• weathering

• type of rock