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Weathering. Pg. Weathering. The process by which rocks on or near Earth’s surface break down and change The removal and transport to other locations is erosion. Types of Weathering. Mechanical – by physical processes Only changes the shape and size Chemical – by chemical means
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Weathering Pg.
Weathering The process by which rocks on or near Earth’s surface break down and change The removal and transport to other locations is erosion
Types of Weathering • Mechanical – by physical processes • Only changes the shape and size • Chemical – by chemical means • Changes the chemical composition of the rock
Mechanical Weathering • Mechanical weathering is affected by: • Temperature- • Water freezes in rocks and causes them to expand and then contract eventually causing cracks • Pressure- • overlying rock is carried away, lower rock layers expand and create cracks known as joints • when outer rock layers are stripped away it is called exfoliation
Chemical Weathering • Agents of chemical weathering: • Water • Can dissolve many rocks and minerals • Reaction of water with other substances called hydrolysis • Oxygen • Chemical reaction of oxygen w/ other substances called oxidation • Carbon dioxide • When combined w/ water, produces carbonic acid • Acids • Acid rain can degrade rocks • Use pH to determine the acidity (the lower the more acidic) • 5.6 is the pH of normal rainfall
Rate of weathering • Weathering occurs very slowly (200 yrs to weather 1 cm of limestone) • Climate can influence the rate of erosion • Amount of rainfall, temperature, and evaporation • Chemical weathering occurs more in warmer wet climates • Mechanical weathering occurs more in cooler dry climates • Rock Type • Sedimentary rocks more easily broken down • Surface area • The smaller the pieces, the more surface area, the more chemical weathering • Topography • Materials on slope undergo weathering more readily
QuestionsPg. Answer numbers 1-4 on page 161 Write both the question and answer
Questions 1. Distinguish between weathering and erosion. 2. List several variables that affect the rate of weathering. 3. What two climatic factors are most important in the weathering process? 4. Describe how one variable may affect another variable in the weathering process (i.e. how mechanical weathering can affect chemical weathering).