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

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