Weathering
Weathering.
Weathering is the process by which rocks are broken down into smaller pieces.
Physical Weathering.
Physical weathering is when rocks break into smaller pieces without changing what they are made of.
Chemical weathering.
Chemical weathering is the process in which rocks are changed or broken down by chemical reactions with water, air, or acids, forming new substances.
Biotic weathering.
Biotic weathering is the breaking of rocks by living things like plants, animals, and microbes.
How long rocks take to break down.
It can take thousands to millions of years for rocks to break down by weathering.
Key Points.
Rocks break into smaller pieces over time.
Happens naturally on the Earth’s surface.
Slow process.
Causes of weathering.
Water.
Temperature changes.
Wind.
waves.
Acids.
Fun Fact
Rainwater is slightly acidic because it mixes with carbon dioxide in the air. Over many years, this acid rain can slowly dissolve rocks like limestone and create caves