Even mountains suffer from weathering.
The entire surface of the earth is constantly changing. Although it is not seen immediately, it is occurring in a very slow way. This process is called weathering. It affects all parts of the the earth's surface. There are three different types of weathering.
Instructions
1. Define weathering. It is the process that changes the earth's surface. According to Physical Geography.net weathering is the first step for a number of other processes that affect the surface of the earth. This process can result in three different effects. According to eoearth.org, these outcomes are: the complete loss of particular atoms or compounds from the weathered surface, the addition of specific atoms or compounds to the weathered surface and a breakdown of one mass into two or more masses, with no chemical change in the mineral or rock.
2. Explain the three types of weathering. According to Soils.wisc.edu thee three main types of weathering are physical, chemical and biological. The result in each case is the changing of the chemical make-up of the rock or surface.
3. Describe physical weathering. According to eoearth.org, physical weathering is the breakdown of mineral or rock material by physical or mechanical means. Two forms of weathering are crystal growth and heat according to Tulane.edu. Crystal growth occurs when water percolates through fractures and may contain ions that form crystals. As these crystals grow they may exert force that can expand or weaken rocks according to Tulane.edu. Sudden exposure to heat, such as in a forest fire, can cause expansion and eventual breakage of rocks.
4. Discuss chemical weathering. There are four types of chemical weathering according to eoearth: hydrolysis, hydration, carbonation and oxidation. Oxidation is the reaction that occurs between compounds and oxygen. Hydrolysis is the weathering reaction that occurs when the two surfaces of water and a compound meet. Hydration involves the rigid attachment of positive hydrogen and negative oxygen and hydrogen ions to a reacted compound. Carbonation is the reaction of carbonate and bicarbonate ions with minerals.
5. Explain biological weathering. According to facstaff.gpc.edu organisms can assist in breaking down rock into sediment or soil. The types of organisms that can cause weathering range from bacteria to plants to animals according to physical geography.net.
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