What is Weathering?

Weathering The breaking down of rock into smaller pieces that remain next to each other. Weathering forms sediments. There are two types of weathering. Mechanical (Physical) Chemical

Mechanical Weathering Mechanical weathering is the ________________________________________________________. Sometimes called “__________” weathering Rock is ___________by physical force, rather than by ___________________ Smaller pieces ______________to a new location, but remain next to one another until erosion carries them away There are 4 main types of Mechanical Weathering ____________

Ice Wedging ______ enters the cracks in rocks, and then _________________ about 10%. The ice puts stress on the walls around the cracks and causes cracks to ____________________. Water can flow deeper into the rock as ______________. As the cycle repeats, rocks grow _______ over time. Along the cracks, the rock will _______________________over time.

Ice Wedging

Exfoliation Rocks formed ______________are under a huge amount of _______. When the overlying rock _______________, __________ is released and the once buried rocks are exposed. ______________ occurs along the outer parts of rocks. This stress will cause fractures to form parallel to the rock surface. Along the exposed rock fractures, ______________will break away.

Exfoliation

Thermal ______________is a result of extreme changes in temperature that causes the expansion or contraction of rock. Common in ________________, where it is hot in the day and cold at night; different minerals expand and contract at different rates causing the rock to split The outer layers ____________into thin sheets.

Thermal

Biotic Biotic weathering is caused by ____________________. Most often, ______________are the cause. They act as a _______________, widening and extending the cracks. ___________________can also cause weathering.

Biotic

Chemical Weathering ___________________is the breaking down of rock into smaller pieces because of chemical changes within the rock. Rock reacts with ______________________________(may be acidic); these reactions will add or remove elements from minerals. Rocks fall apart because the _______________________are broken down by chemical reactions. There are 4 main types of Chemical Weathering ____________

Oxidation When oxygen ___________________________and chemical reaction known as oxidation occurs and new types of rock are formed. The new types of rock are _____ to break apart because they are much softer than the original substances. A reddish-brown coloration on the surface is called _______.

Oxidation

Hydrolysis _____________ is the weathering reaction that occurs when _____________________________________ in a rock meet. This results in the ______________________ of the rock surface by forming new compounds. Most common reaction is the hydrolysis of feldspars producing clay (kaolinite)

Hydrolysis

Carbonation When _____________reacts with water or rain, carbonation occurs and a weak ______________is formed. This is the same acid found in _______. The acid is too weak to _______ plants and animals, but slowly causes feldspars and limestone to decompose. New types of ______________________are formed within the rocks.

Carbonation

Biotic ________________________live on the surfaces of rocks. Plants lower the local ___ to make it ________________. Their _______ give off a ________that _________ rocks and minerals.

Biotic