Whether or Not It’s Weathering! An Introduction to and Interactive Assessment About Weathering and Erosion.

Weathering Weathering is the action of rock being broken down by elements such as rain and wind. There are 3 types of weathering processes: Mechanical – the physical breakdown of rock where the rock’s chemical composition does not change. Chemical – the breakdown of rock where the chemical and/or mineralogical composition is changed. Biological – the breakdown of rocks due to living organisms. Weathering is the action of rock being broken down by elements such as rain and wind. There are 3 types of weathering processes: Mechanical – the physical breakdown of rock where the rock’s chemical composition does not change. Chemical – the breakdown of rock where the chemical and/or mineralogical composition is changed. Biological – the breakdown of rocks due to living organisms.

Mechanical Weathering The physical breakdown of rock where the rock’s chemical composition does not change. Elements of Mechanical Weathering include water (rain or rivers), ice, wind, temperature, and pressure. In rivers, rocks are moved by water and hit each other, causing them to break off pieces. The Twin Arches in Tennessee, South Arch shown right, show how wind has eroded the weakest sediments to leave behind stronger rock. The physical breakdown of rock where the rock’s chemical composition does not change. Elements of Mechanical Weathering include water (rain or rivers), ice, wind, temperature, and pressure. In rivers, rocks are moved by water and hit each other, causing them to break off pieces. The Twin Arches in Tennessee, South Arch shown right, show how wind has eroded the weakest sediments to leave behind stronger rock.

Chemical Weathering The breakdown of rock where the chemical and/or mineralogical composition is changed. Hydration is the addition of hydrogen. Water is added to a rock and reacts with the minerals, causing a change in the composition of the rock. Oxidation is the addition of oxygen. A change of color is often noted. An example would be rusting! The breakdown of rock where the chemical and/or mineralogical composition is changed. Hydration is the addition of hydrogen. Water is added to a rock and reacts with the minerals, causing a change in the composition of the rock. Oxidation is the addition of oxygen. A change of color is often noted. An example would be rusting!

Biological Weathering The breakdown of rocks due to living organisms. Organisms can cause mechanical and chemical weathering. Roots of trees that wedge into cracks can cause enough pressure to break the rock apart (mechanical). Organisms like moss can grow on rock. They create a weak acid that can weather down the rock chemically. The breakdown of rocks due to living organisms. Organisms can cause mechanical and chemical weathering. Roots of trees that wedge into cracks can cause enough pressure to break the rock apart (mechanical). Organisms like moss can grow on rock. They create a weak acid that can weather down the rock chemically.

Erosion Erosion is the transportation of sediments. When rocks are weathered, the loose sediment is “eroded,” or transported, and is deposited somewhere else. Rivers that turn several times are formed that way because of eroded sediment that builds up on the sides of the river, forcing the flow in a different direction. Over long periods of time, structures like hills or dunes can form due to a build up of eroded sediment. Erosion is the transportation of sediments. When rocks are weathered, the loose sediment is “eroded,” or transported, and is deposited somewhere else. Rivers that turn several times are formed that way because of eroded sediment that builds up on the sides of the river, forcing the flow in a different direction. Over long periods of time, structures like hills or dunes can form due to a build up of eroded sediment.

Review Weathering is the process by which rocks are broken down. Mechanical is the physical break down of rocks without changing their chemical composition. Chemical is the break down of rocks where their chemical and mineralogical composition is changed. Biological is the break down of rocks aided by organisms like tress and moss. Erosion is the transportation of sediment. Deposition is when sediment settles down in a new area. Weathering is the process by which rocks are broken down. Mechanical is the physical break down of rocks without changing their chemical composition. Chemical is the break down of rocks where their chemical and mineralogical composition is changed. Biological is the break down of rocks aided by organisms like tress and moss. Erosion is the transportation of sediment. Deposition is when sediment settles down in a new area.

Quiz Time!! Everyone get into your group and use one clicker per group! Once I ask the question out loud, you have one minute to discuss your answer choice with you group. Once you have made a decision, click the letter on your clicker that matches your answer choice on the screen. Make sure to keep your voices low so other groups cannot hear you! The group with the most points at the end will earn 5 extra credit points on their next quiz! Everyone get into your group and use one clicker per group! Once I ask the question out loud, you have one minute to discuss your answer choice with you group. Once you have made a decision, click the letter on your clicker that matches your answer choice on the screen. Make sure to keep your voices low so other groups cannot hear you! The group with the most points at the end will earn 5 extra credit points on their next quiz!

What is Weathering? A) The transport of sediment from once place to another. B) The breakdown of rock by processes such as rain, wind, and animals. C) The word used to decide if something is one thing or another.

What is Erosion? A) The transport of sediment from once place to another. B) The breakdown of rock by processes such as rain, wind, and animals. C) The breakdown of rock by living organisms.

What is the difference between mechanical and chemical weathering? A) Chemical weathering is the breakdown of sediment whereas mechanical weathering is the breakdown of rock by machines. B) Mechanical weathering is the breakdown of rock by processes like wind whereas chemical weathering is the breakdown of rock that changes its chemical or mineralogical composition. C) Chemical weathering is where acids are introduced by humans to an area to remove rock whereas mechanical weathering is when rock is broken down by process such as wind.

Which weathering process is about living organisms and their effect on rocks. A) Erosion B) Mechanical Weathering C) Deposition D) Chemical Weathering E) Biological Weathering

What process would “rusting” fall under? A) Mechanical Weathering B) Erosion C) Biological Weathering D) Deposition E) Chemical Weathering

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