Types of Weathering

mechanical weathering

Physical breakdown of rocks into smaller pieces without changing their chemical composition.

chemical weathering

The process of breaking down rocks through chemical changes that change their mineral composition.

ice/frost wedging

A type of physical weathering that occurs when water seeps into cracks in rocks, freezes, and expands, causing the rock to break apart.

abrasion

The process of wearing away rock surfaces through friction and impact, usually caused by gravity involving wind, water, or ice.

oxidation

A chemical weathering process where oxygen reacts with minerals, particularly iron, leading to rusting and the changing of the rock's composition.

carbonation/dissolution

A chemical weathering process where carbon dioxide dissolves in water to form carbonic acid, which reacts with minerals like calcite, leading to the dissolving of rocks such as limestone.

hydrolysis/clay formation

A chemical weathering process in which water reacts with minerals to form clay minerals, changing the original rock composition.

salt weathering

A physical weathering process where salt crystals form from evaporating seawater or inland saline water, leading to the expansion and fracturing of rocks.

heat expansion

A physical weathering process caused by temperature changes that lead to the expansion and contraction of rocks, which can result in cracking and fragmentation.

root weathering

A physical weathering process where plant roots grow into cracks in rocks, exerting pressure that causes the rocks to break apart.

lichen growth

A biological weathering process where lichens grow on rocks, producing acids that help in the breakdown of the rock surface and contribute to soil formation.

pressure release/exfoliation

A physical weathering process that occurs when overlying material is removed, reducing pressure on underlying rock, causing it to expand and fracture in layers.