Carbonation
Carbonation takes place when dissolved carbon dioxide in moisture forms carbonic acid and reacts with minerals in the rock. This weakens and breaks down the rock. Calcium-rich rocks, like limestone, provide the best breeding ground for carbonation.
Hydrolysis
Hydrolysis occurs when a chemical reaction takes place between hydrogen in rain water and the minerals in a rock. This softens the rock, leaving it open for other weathering agents to break it down. An example would be when potassium feldspar in granite reacts with water, forming a softer clay.
Oxidation
Oxidation takes place when water Oxygen combines with water and earth minerals. For example, the reaction between oxygen and iron forms iron oxide, which crumbles easily. You may know this process as "rusting."
Hydration
Hydration occurs when rocks absorb water. This causes the rocks to expand, resulting in stress that leads to the breaking down of the rock. This form of chemical weather happens during the conversion of hematite to limonite.
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