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Published byErica Pope Modified over 9 years ago
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over long periods of timewithout obvious motion Def: the breaking apart of rock over long periods of time and without obvious motion. ◦ Mechanical (Physical)- break into smaller pieces ◦ Chemical- chemical change in composition
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Weathering occurs at a slower rate than erosion. Erosion involves obvious motion when breaking down rock
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Cause by water freezing Common in high elevations and mid latitudes (Michigan)
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Removing overburden relieves pressure Occurs mainly in intrusive igneous rocks ◦ batholiths
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3. Mudcracks When water evaporates- mud shrinks Wet/dry climates
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Tree roots Growth breaks rock Lichen secrete acid dissolve rock Humid climates Usually sed. rock
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Change in composition (decomposition)
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Water + carbon dioxide = carbonic acid H 2 O + CO 2 H 2 CO 3 Acid reacts (dissolves) with calcite (limestone, marble) May create caves and sinkholes
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Marble statue
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Cave Formation
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where iron minerals produce iron oxide ("rust"). Mafic rocks Fe + O 2 (atm) Iron Oxide Fe 2 O 3
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Hydrolysis Reaction with water feldspar + carbonic acid + water clay + soluble minerals common in granite
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Water weathers the edges and creates a rounded shape Aka onion skin weathering basalt
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Time- more time; more weathering Rock Type/Resistance ◦ Sedimentary least resistant- esp. calcite Climate ◦ Wet- chemical dominates ◦ Freeze/thaw- physical dominates Surface area
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Smaller pieces (more surface area)= more weathering
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Cleopatra’s Needle (Egypt) 3,000 years
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Cleopatra’s Needle (New York) After 100 years
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Not all rocks weather equally
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Different rock types weather differently OR Different rates of weathering due to exposure
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