1. Weathering

2. Weathering – breaking down rocks into smaller pieces.
Assist in soil formation
2 forms of Weathering
1. Mechanical – physically breaking rocks into smaller pieces
2. Chemical – rock is broken down by a chemical process

3. Ex. Of Mechanical
Frost wedging – freezing and thawing of rocks prying rock apart
Abrasion – when rocks scrape or grind against each other
Biological activity – plant roots pry the rock apart, worms, moles, etc.

5. Chemical Weathering The main agent involved is water
Water assists in oxidation, and carbonic acid (Acid rain)
Dissolution – dissolves with water present
Rust oxidizes with water

7. Rates of Weathering Depends on 3 main factors:
Climate – high temp increase chemical weathering
Water – Increases the rate of weathering
Mechanical weathering is faster where there is a lot of freezing and thawing
Composition of Material – some rocks are more resistant to weathering
Limestone and marble easily weather
Slate doesn’t
Surface area – increase the exposed surface are increases weathering