Weathering and Chemical Weathering

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

• the reaction of some aspects in rocks with oxygen in air or water
• produces red-colored rocks where the red shade comes from the formation of rust

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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.

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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.

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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

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Climate

Climate is the frequency of precipitation, and temperatures affect the rate of weathering.

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Surface Area

the larger surface area of rocks can speed up the process of chemical weathering

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