Even nature's largest geographical footprints are susceptible to weathering.
Weathering is an important process in which large pieces of rock and other geological materials are broken down over time. This process can occur due to human activity (mechanical weathering), through chemical interactions or because of simple exposure to the elements. Regardless of the process, weathering is always an essential part of sustaining life on this planet.
Creation of Soil
Soil is one of the cornerstones of life on earth. Without it, no plants would be able to grow and, therefore, no other life could be supported. Weathering is an essential part of soil creation. As large rocks and other geological materials are exposed to rain, wind, freezing temperatures and other elements, they break apart. It may take hundreds or even thousands of years, but even the largest rock will be reduced to tiny pieces of dirt that can be used as soil. The amount of time necessary to break down geological material will depend on what the material is, its size and the overall weather conditions.
Minerals
Minerals such as phosphorus, calcium, magnesium and iron are essential to life on this planet. Rocks and other geological materials are often filled with these minerals; they just aren't accessible to life forms. As rocks break down over centuries and turn into dust, plants and even small animals are able to extract the minerals from the tiny dirt particles. For example, the root system of a plant is designed to extract minerals from dirt particles. Thus, the minerals once inaccessible to a plant because they were contained in a large rock are able to feed thousands of plants.
Creation of Usable Materials
Weathering creates three distinct types of material: clay, sand and gravel. These materials are important to plant life on earth, but they also are used by man for a number of functions. For example, clay has been used for centuries as a building material and a medium for art. Sand is often used as protective material. Sandbags protect lives and buildings from floodwaters, and you can often find sand barriers used to slow down or block out-of-control vehicles on the highway or even on racetracks.
Tags: geological materials, other geological, other geological materials, break down, dirt particles, down over, essential part
