A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Types of Physical Weathering

Carbonation
Carbonation

Carbonation is the mixing of water with carbon dioxide to make carbonic acid. This type of weathering is important in the formation of caves. Dissolved carbon dioxide in rainwater or in moist air forms carbonic acid, and this acid reacts with minerals in rocks.

source: study.com
Chemical Weathering
Chemical Weathering

Chemical weathering. Chemical weathering occurs when there are changes in the chemical compositions of the rock or minerals from exposure to the environment. Chemical weathering includes chemical changes that may decompose, dissolve or break down various parts of the rock or other landform.

source: skwirk.com
Crystal Formation or Salt Wedging
Crystal Formation or Salt Wedging

frost wedging, salt crystal growth, ... because it affects the rate of sediment formation and erosion. ... promote mechanical/physical weathering freeze-wedging of ...

source: quizlet.com
Freeze
Freeze

Physical weathering is caused by the effects of changing temperature on rocks, causing the rock to break apart. The process is sometimes assisted by water. There are two main types of physical weathering: Freeze-thaw occurs when water continually seeps into cracks, freezes and expands, eventually breaking the rock apart.

Frost Wedging or Freeze-Thaw
Frost Wedging or Freeze-Thaw

Frost wedging is a type of mechanical weathering caused by frost and ice. Water expands when it freezes, and repeated cycles of freezing and thawing slowly weaken the structural integrity of porous and cracked rocks. Over time, frost wedging enlarges tiny cracks into huge fissures. The fissures ...

source: reference.com
Hydrolysis
Hydrolysis

Chemical weathering is the process by which rocks are broken down by chemical reactions. There are different types of chemical weathering. Hydrolysis is the chemical breakdown of a substance when combined with water. The most common example of hydrolysis is feldspar in granite rocks changing to clay. Oxidation is the reaction of a substance with oxygen.

source: study.com
image: imgkid.com
Oxidation
Oxidation

Oxidation is the reaction of a substance with oxygen. This is the process that causes rust. When iron in rocks reacts with oxygen, it forms iron oxide, which weakens the rock. Carbonation is the mixing of water with carbon dioxide to make carbonic acid. This type of weathering is important in the formation of caves.

source: study.com
image: bianoti.com
Rock Abrasion
Rock Abrasion

However, abrasion is only one type of physical weathering that can break rocks into smaller fragments. Other types of physical weathering are ice wedging, exfoliation and thermal expansion. Similarly, the decomposition of rocks also can occur through chemical weathering.

source: reference.com
Thermal Expansion and Contraction
Thermal Expansion and Contraction

Is the difference between frost action/frost wedging and thermal expansion and contraction. Salt Crystal Growth When the growth of crystals cause the widening of cracks and crevices.

source: quizlet.com
Unloading and Exfoliation
Unloading and Exfoliation

Mechanical weathering pushes apart all joints in the exposed rock and breaks it into smaller pieces. Ice is a major weathering agent. Water expands 9 percent as it freezes and creates large forces that push apart joints on a rock’s surfaces. Root and vegetation growth exert the same pressure.

source: sciencing.com