How are rocks weathered by prairie dogs?

Mechanical Weathering Mechanical weathering or physical weathering, causes rocks to crumble. Water to seep into cracks and crevices in rock. If the temperature drops low enough, the water will freeze. When water freezes, it expands. read more

Animals that tunnel underground, such as moles and prairie dogs, also work to break apart rock and soil. Other animals dig and trample rock above ground, causing rock to slowly crumble. They create the tunnels and channels for water to flow, ice to accumulate and plant roots to grow. read more

Tree roots can weather rock by the exertion of hydraulic force, prying apart and further weathering existing cracks in rock. Prairie dogs are burrowing animals that contribute to mechanical weathering by scratching at rocks and also by knocking them together, abrading them. read more