Weathering of Rocks

These flashcards cover essential vocabulary and concepts related to the weathering of rocks, including key processes and examples.

Weathering

The process of breaking down rocks into smaller pieces, which shapes the landscape and creates soil.

Physical Weathering

Weathering that breaks rocks into smaller pieces without changing their mineral composition.

Chemical Weathering

Weathering that alters the mineral composition of rocks, leading to their decomposition.

Frost Wedging

A mechanical weathering process where water freezes in rock cracks, expands, and causes the rocks to break apart.

Salt Crystal Growth

A type of mechanical weathering where salt crystals form and expand in rock cracks, causing them to break.

Sheeting (Exfoliation Weathering)

Mechanical weathering that occurs when pressure is released from intrusive igneous rocks, causing them to expand and separate.

Biological Activity

A form of mechanical weathering that includes the effects of plant roots and burrowing organisms on rocks.

Dissolution

A chemical weathering process where minerals are dissolved by water, especially in the presence of weak acids.

Oxidation

A chemical weathering process that involves the rusting of iron-rich minerals, converting them to iron oxides.

Hydrolysis

A chemical weathering process in which water breaks down silicate minerals and alters their composition.

Karst Landscapes

Landforms resulting from the dissolution of soluble rocks, commonly limestone, leading to cave and sinkhole formations.

Pyrite Oxidation

The chemical weathering of pyrite that produces sulfuric acid, contributing to environmental concerns near coal mines.

Kaolinite

A clay mineral formed from the hydrolysis of feldspar, which holds less well than its parent mineral.

Quartz

A mineral resistant to weathering, commonly found in granite, which can contribute to sand as it breaks down.