Introduction to Weathering

Weathering and Erosion

Weathering = change the
appearance of something
through long exposure of
air/water/nature
Erosion = removing pieces of
rocks and transporting them to
another by wind and water.
Types of Weathering
Physical

Biological

Chemical
Physical Weathering
The breaking of rocks by:
o wind or rain
o contraction
o water freezing
o thermal expansion
This occurs in regions with
extreme temperatures
Biological Weathering
Rocks are broken
down by living
things or
decomposed
Broken by:
o Lichens
o Tree roots

Chemical Weathering
The breaking of rocks
when water and rocks
interact with each other
to create a chemical
reaction.
Rocks are broken by:
o water
o gases