Weathering
Weathering is the breaking down and changing of rocks due to exposure to the environment.
Chemical Weathering
the altering of rocks as a result of exposure to different substances
Types: Oxidation, Hydrolysis, and Carbonation.
Oxidation
Hydrolysis
Hydrolysis is the dissolution of ions from the minerals, causing them to slowly break away from the mineral.
Hydrolysis is influential among rocks with high silicate concentrations with clay and sand as usual products.
Carbonation
Rain and carbon dioxide from the atmosphere mix and react together, forming carbonic acid.
Carbonic acid can react with minerals and dissolve them.
Carbonation usually creates caves and sinkholes.
Factors Affecting the Rate of Weathering
Hardness/Type of Rocks
all rocks and mineral vary in material and affects their hardness which overall determines how fast they can be affected by both mechanical and chemical weathering
Climate
Climate is the frequency of precipitation, and temperatures affect the rate of weathering.
Surface Area
the larger surface area of rocks can speed up the process of chemical weathering