Weathering

Mechanical weathering

Rocks break and split by pressure caused by frost or heat

Chemical weathering

Rocks dissolve and rot away due to chemical reactions with water

Mechanical weathering

Rocks break and split by pressure caused by frost or heat

Chemical weathering

Rocks dissolve and rot away due to chemical reactions with water

Biological weathering

Actions of plants can add to the speed of chemical and physical weathering

Carbonation

A type of chemical weathering when rainwater mixes with carbon dioxide in the atmosphere

Calcite

White substance left behind when calcium carbonate dissolves

An example of carbonation

The Burren ,a large area of exposed limestone in Clare

Stalacites

Slender columns of calcite which hang from the ceiling of a cave like icicles

Stalagmites

Thick columns of calcite which build up on the floor of a cave below a stalactite

disadvantage of tourism in the burren

An increase in noise pollution

Historical sites can be damaged

Rare flora and fauna could be damaged or disrupted

Where does biological weathering take place

When rocks are worn away by animals plants and living organisms

Freeze thaw action

Most common Physical weathering occurring in mountains areas where temperature changes