What are some examples of chemical and mechanical weathering?

There are two main types of weathering: chemical weathering and mechanical weathering. In chemical weathering, the rock reacts with substances in the environment like oxygen, carbon dioxide, and water to produce new substances. read more

Water causes both mechanical weathering and chemical weathering. Mechanical weathering occurs when water drips or flows over rock for prolonged periods; the Grand Canyon, for example, was formed to a large degree by the mechanical weathering action of the Colorado River. read more

In chemical weathering, the rock reacts with substances in the environment like oxygen, carbon dioxide, and water to produce new substances. For example, iron in rock can react with oxygen and water to form rust, making the rock reddish and crumbly. During mechanical weathering, no new substances are produced. The rock gets smaller, but it stays the same kind of rock. For example, water sometimes gets into the tiny cracks in boulders. read more

Mechanical weathering refers to physical processes that break down the structure of rocks. Mechanical weathering differs from chemical weathering, the process by which rocks are broken down by reactions among chemicals inside and outside the rock. You can observe mechanical weathering's effects nearly anywhere. read more

There are three types of weathering: mechanical, biological, and chemical. Mechanical weathering is caused by wind, sand, rain, freezing, thawing, and other natural forces that can physically alter rock. read more

In chemical weathering, the rock reacts with substances in the environment like oxygen, carbon dioxide, and water to produce new substances. For example, iron in rock can react with oxygen and water to form rust, making the rock reddish and crumbly. During mechanical weathering, no new substances are produced. read more

Examples of mechanical weathering include frost and salt wedging, unloading and exfoliation, water and wind abrasion, impacts and collisions, and biological actions. All of these processes break rocks into smaller pieces without changing the physical composition of the rock. read more