Frost Action That process occurs when the water inside of rocks freezes and expands. That expansion cracks the rocks from the inside and eventually breaks them apart. The freeze-thaw cycle happens over and over again and the break finally happens. Another word for it is frost wedging.

Abrasion Wearing away of rocks by wind or water

Gravity As rocks fall, they collide with each other and break apart

Organic Activity Animals also have an effect on rocks. When roots grow or animals dig holes, rocks split apart These tunnels allow water and air to reach< points below ground, and begin the weathering process

Wetting & Drying constant swelling and shrinking makes rocks crack

Sheet Jointing The removal of large masses of rock causes rocks to expand

Exfoliation The peeling of rounded thin layers from the rocks surface Granite Exfoliation

Hydrolysis The chemical reaction of water with other substances

Plant Acids Acids formed by the decay of plants and animals eats away rocks

Oxidation A freshly-cut apple turns brown, a bicycle fender becomes rusty and a copper penny suddenly turns green. What do all of these events have in common? They are all examples of a process called oxidation. Oxidation is defined as the interaction between oxygen molecules and all the different substances they may contact, from metal to living tissue.(rust)

Carbonation Carbonic acids dissolves rocks and forms caves underground Often, caverns are cut out of the rock, the structures on top are heavy, and everything on top collapses into the cavern, leaving what is called a sinkhole. This sinkhole can swallow many houses at a time.

Sulfuric Acid Pollution from factories dissolves in rainwater and eats away at rocks