Weathering and Erosion

Weathering Weathering is the breaking down of rocks, soils and minerals as well as artificial materials through contact with the Earth's atmosphere, biota and waters.

Weathering by frost wedging

Mechanical weathering mechanical weathering is a physical process.

Water weathered tree

How is a plant or animal an agent of mechanical weathering? Plants and animals are agents of mechanical weathering. The seed of a tree may sprout in soil that has collected in a cracked rock. As the roots grow, they widen the cracks, eventually breaking the rock into pieces. Over time, trees can break apart even large rocks. Even small plants, such as mosses, can enlarge tiny cracks as they grow. Animals that tunnel underground, such as moles and prairie dogs, also work to break apart rock and soil. Other animals dig and trample rock aboveground, causing rock to slowly crumble.

Biological weathering Roots growing into rock

Animals burrow Badger

Erosion Erosion is the process by which soil and rock are removed from the Earth's surface by natural processes such as wind or water flow

Erosion by wind Erosion by water

Leaching Leaching is the process of extracting minerals from a solid by dissolving them in a liquid

Rain water is slightly acidic Rain water is slightly acidic because Carbon dioxide forms carbonic acid when mixed with water

Major factors involved in how fast weathering occurs Climate, mineral composition, amount of water

Soil Horizons The layers in a soil profile are called horizons

Soil horizons

soil and climate related Warmer temperatures and high rainfall increase rate of soil formation. Cooler temperatures and less rain slow it down.

Conserve soil Some ways to conserve soil are Contour farming/shelter belts, cover crops, and strip crops.

Shelter belt Contour farming

Cover crops Strip crops

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