Weathering

The natural chemical or physical processes that breaks down rock on Earth's surface.

• weathering
• erosion
• deposition
• jackhammering

The process by which water, ice, wind or gravity moves weathered rock and soil from one place to another.

• weathering
• erosion
• deposition
• dumptruck

The process by which water, ice, wind or gravity moves weathered rock and soil from one place to another.

• weathering
• erosion
• deposition
• dumptruck

This type of weathering occurs when rock is physically broken down into smaller pieces of rock.

• mechanical weathering
• chemical weathering
• erosion weathering
• deposition

This type of weathering occurs when rocks weaken then break down due to chemical changes in the composition of the rock.

• mechanical weathering
• chemical weathering
• erosion weathering
• deposition

These rocks were made smooth by wind blowing smaller rock particles across their surface.  This is an example of:

• ice wedging
• chemical weathering
• acid rain
• abrasion

These rocks were broken apart from the continuous freeze/thaw of water in the cracks of the rocks. This is an example of:

• ice wedging
• acid rain
• permeability
• abrasion

These gravestones have slowly broken down and turned a blackish color due to the action of:

• ice wedging
• abrasion
• acid rain
• mechanical weathering

How might a weathered mountain appear different than an unweathered mountain?

• Weathered mountain would be taller.
• Weathered mountain would be rounder and less jagged.
• Weathered mountain would be more jagged and less rounded.
• Weathered mountain would have no trees.

How is mechanical weathering different from chemical weathering?

• Chemical weathering happens over much shorter time frame than mechanical weathering.
• Chemical weathering changes the chemical composition of rocks; mechanical weathering does not.
• Chemical weathering occurs only in tropical climates; mechanical weathering occurs only in cool climates.
• Chemical weathering occurs only in the mountains; mechanical weathering occurs only on flat land.