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Types of Weathering
Mechanical weathering is the process by
which rocks are broken down into smaller
pieces by external conditions, such as the
freezing of water in cracks in the rock.
Mechanical weathering
Physical breakup
pressure release
water: freeze - thaw cycles
crystallization of salt in cracks
thermal expansion and contraction
All this increases the total surface area
exposed to weathering processes.
Processes of Mechanical
Weathering
Ice. The formation of ice in the myriad of tiny cracks
Frost Heaving
Frost heaving is the
process by which rocks
are lifted vertically from
soil by the formation of
ice
. Water freezes first
under rock fragments
and boulders in the soil;
the repeated freezing
and thawing of ice
gradually pushes the
rocks to the surface .
, or
Sheet joints, develop that parallel the curved outer
surface of the rock because the outer layers expand
the most, cracks
Mechanical Weathering
Exfoliation:
Weathering
Mechanical Weathering
Sheet Joints
(Exfoliation)
Sheet joints, develop
that parallel the curved
outer surface of the
rock because the outer
layers expand the
most, cracks
Stone Mountain, GA
Half Dome,
Yosemite, CA
Biological Weathering
Can be both chemical and
mechanical in nature.
roots split rocks apart
roots produce acids
that dissolve rocks.
tree throw
burrowing animals
Burrowing of Animals
Living Organisms
Lichens that grow on rocks produce
Rates of weathering
Joints in a rock are a
pathway for water they
can enhance mechanical
weathering