2 surface processes

Weathering

Breakdown of rocks, soil,

minerals, wood, and artificial

materials

Caused by contact with

atmosphere, water, and

organisms

Occurs in place (no

movement)

CHEMICAL

WEATHERING

Alters rock’s mineral

composition

Involves chemical reactions

Changes internal structure

of minerals

Hydrolysis, Oxidation, From acids, Living organisms

Types of chemical weathering

MECHANICAL (PHYSICAL)

WEATHERING

Breaks rocks into smaller pieces

No chemical change

Caused by physical forces

Gravitational Impact
Rock Abrasion

Thermal Expansion

Contraction

Types of mechanical weathering

Biological Weathering

Caused by activities of living organisms

Can be physical or chemical

Biological Weathering by Physical Means
Biological Weathering by Chemical or Organic Compounds

Types of BIological Weathering

EROSION

Removal and movement of

weathered materials

Caused by water, wind, ice, or

gravity

Physical Erosion

Water erosion

Temperature Erosion

Wind Erosion

Types of Erosion

Detachment (break particles)

Entrainment (particles ente)

transport (movement)

what is the erosion sequence

Deposition

Occurs when erosion stops

Sediments settle in new location