Sub Aerial Processes

Biological weathering

Breakdown of rock due to living organisms such as plant roots, burrowing animals, or humans.

Chemical weathering

The decomposition of rocks by chemical processes

Carbonation

Rainwater reacts with carbonate rocks

Oxidation

Reaction of iron-rich rocks with oxygen, leading to rust and weakening.

Solution

Dissolving of minerals in rock by water.

Exfoliation

A type of physical weathering in hot climates where rocks expand during the day and contract at night, causing layers to peel off

Mass movement

The downslope movement of rock and soil under gravity

Creep

Slow movement of soil down gentle slopes.

Flow

Movement of saturated soil down moderate slopes.

Slide

Rapid movement of material along a plane.

Slump

Rotational movement of saturated material on a curved surface.

Fall

Sudden dropping of rock fragments from steep slopes

Salt crystallisation

A weathering process where salt crystals expand in rock pores, exerting pressure and causing the rock to break apart.

Wetting and drying

Physical weathering process where rock expands when wet and contracts when dry, causing cracks to form.