Types of Weathering
Ever wonder why rocks break down over time? It happens through two main processes. Physical weathering breaks rocks into smaller pieces without changing what they're made of. Chemical weathering actually changes the minerals or chemicals in the rock as it breaks down.
Physical weathering happens faster in colder places with less rain. Look for signs like animal activity, abrasion (when rocks scrape against each other), plant roots growing into cracks, and frost action (when water freezes and expands in rock cracks). Another cool example is exfoliation, where rocks peel in sheets due to temperature changes.
Chemical weathering thrives in hot, wet environments. It includes processes like carbonation (when carbon dioxide dissolves in rainwater to form weak acid), acid rain, organic decay from plants, and oxidation (when oxygen and iron combine to form rust).
💡 Both physical and chemical weathering require moisture to work! Without some water, these processes slow down dramatically.
