Weathering and Erosion Processes Explained

Weathering

Process changing rock's appearance or structure.

Erosion

Movement of rock particles by agents.

Mechanical Weathering

Breaks rock without altering chemical composition.

Chemical Weathering

Changes rock's chemical composition using water/air.

Ice Wedging

Water freezes in cracks, breaking rocks apart.

Frost Action

Repeated freezing/thawing of small water amounts.

Plant and Root Action

Roots break rock into smaller pieces.

Exfoliation

Surface layers peel off due to gravity.

Wetting and Drying

Clay expands and contracts with moisture changes.

Abrasion

Rocks grind against each other, creating smooth surfaces.

Spheroidal Weathering

Edges wear faster, creating rounded rock shapes.

Hydrolysis

Water chemically reacts with minerals in rock.

Oxidation

Oxygen reacts with minerals, causing rust-like colors.

Carbonic Acid

Weak acid dissolves minerals, forming caves.

Natural Acids

Acids from organisms dissolve minerals in rocks.

Mass Wasting

Downslope movement of rock due to gravity.

Creep

Slow, gradual movement of soil or rock.

Rock Falls

Rapid descent of rock fragments down slopes.

Slumps

Downward movement of rock along a curved surface.

Debris Flows

Rapid flow of loose material down slopes.

Gravity

Primary force driving erosion and mass wasting.

Water

Key agent of erosion, transporting materials.

Wind

Erosive force moving particles in the air.

Ice (Glaciers)

Glacial movement erodes and shapes landscapes.