Types of Weathering

Weathering Weathering is the process where rockis dissolved, worn away or broken down into smaller and smaller pieces. There are mechanical, chemical and organic weathering processes.

Organic Weathering Organic weathering happens when plants break up rocks with their growing roots or plant acids help dissolve rock.

Mechanical Weathering Mechanical weathering physically breaks up rock. One example is called frost action or frost shattering. Water gets into cracks and joints in bedrock. When the water freezes it expands and the cracks are opened a little wider. Over time pieces of rock can split off a rock face and big boulders are broken into smaller rocks and gravel. This process can also break up bricks on buildings.

Chemical Weathering Chemical weathering may change the size of pieces of rock materials, but it definitely changes the composition. So one type of mineral changes into a different mineral. Chemical weathering works through chemical reactions that cause changes in the minerals. Chemical weathering is caused by rain water reacting with the mineral grains in rocks to form new minerals (clays) and soluble salts. These reactions occur particularly when the water is slightly acidic.

Great website to check out! http://www.onegeology.org/extra/kids/earthprocesses/weathering.html