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Weathering and Erosion . Fall 2013. Weathering vs Erosion. Weathering is the chemical and physical processes where big rocks are broken down into smaller rocks. Erosion is the removal and transport of weathered material from one location to another.
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Weathering and Erosion Fall 2013
Weathering vs Erosion • Weathering is the chemical and physical processes where big rocks are broken down into smaller rocks. • Erosion is the removal and transport of weathered material from one location to another. Weathering Erosion
Weathering • There are two types of weathering • Mechanical Weathering • Chemical Weathering Something to think about…… How do you think they are different?? How do you think they are similar???
Mechanical Weathering • Also known as physical weathering • When rocks break down into smaller pieces without changing their composition. • Has 2 parts: temperature and pressure. • A. Temperature: If the temperature drops to the freezing point of water, it freezes, expands, exerts pressure on the rocks, and may cause them to split. This is called frost-wedging. • B. Pressure: Exfoliationis the process where outer rock layers are stripped away over time. The roots of plants can also exert pressure causing rocks to split.