Earth and Life (Midterm)

combined action of all physical and chemical processes that disintegrate and decompose rocks near Earth’s surface through elements and weather.

happens whenever rocks are broken up without change in their chemical composition.

caused by successive heating and cooling which causes the expansion and contraction of rocks.

stripping of the outer layers of rocks due to intense heating.

alternate freezing and thawing of water inside the joints of the rocks, causing them to split into small particles of fragments

weakening or disintegration of rocks and the formation of new compounds or new substances caused by chemical reactions.

a process where oxygen reacts with the rock and changes its mineral composition.

a process involving the formation of various types of carbonates in rocks.

result of the absorption or combination of water and a particular substance on the rock, leading to a change in shape.

a process in which some of the minerals in rocks are directly dissolved in water.