Weathering
Weathering:
Weathering is the breakdown of rocks at the Earth’s surface, by the action of rainwater,
extremes of temperature, and biological activity. It does not involve the removal of rock
material.
1- Physical Weathering
Physical weathering is caused by the effects of changing temperature on rocks, causing the
rock to break apart. The process is sometimes assisted by water.
How does it occur?
Either through repeated thawing and freezing of water (mountains) or through expansion and
contraction of the surface layer of rocks that are baked by the sun (hot deserts).
There are two main types of physical weathering:
1- Freeze-thaw: occurs when water continually seeps into
cracks, freezes, and expands, eventually(in the end) breaking
the rock apart.
Where does it occur?
In mountainous regions like the Alps or Snowdonia.
How does it occur?
Rainwater or snow thawing collects in cracks in the rocks.
At night the temperatures drop (decrease), causing the freeze of the water
and expands.
The increase in the volume of the ice exerts pressure on the cracks in the
rock, causing them to split further open.
During the day, the temperatures rise (increase), causing the ice to thaw
and the water seeps deeper into the cracks.
The cycle of freezing and thawing is repeated, causing the rocks to
split
2-Exfoliation: occurs as cracks develop parallel to the land surface as a consequence of the reduction in pressure
during uplift and erosion.
Where does it occur? Typically in upland areas where there are exposures of uniform
coarsely crystalline igneous rocks.
How does it occur?
As progressive erosion occurs, the
The rock mass at depth is rock mass is subjected to the
How
underdoeshigh
it occur?
pressure from progressively lower pressure of
underlying rocks. It tends to overlying rocks which leads to
be uniform and lacks tension in directions at right angles
fractures to the land surface.
This tension is relieved by Once the cracks develop, water enters and
the formation of cracks that causes chemical weathering leading to the
follow the land surface -
they are relatively flat on formation of new low-density minerals.
plateaus, but can be steep This enhances the cracks and encourages
on the flanks of mountains
which are called exfoliation slabs of rock to detach from the surface.
domes.
2- Chemical Weathering
Chemical weathering is caused by rainwater reacting with the mineral grains in rocks to form
new minerals (clays) and soluble salts. These reactions occur particularly when the water is
slightly acidic.
Where does it occur?
These chemical processes need water, and occur more rapidly at a higher temperature, so
warm, damp climates are best. Chemical weathering (especially hydrolysis and oxidation) is
the first stage in the production of soils.
There are different types of chemical weathering, the most important are:
1- Solution - removal of rock in solution by acidic rainwater. In
particular, limestone is weathered by rainwater containing dissolved
CO2, (this process is sometimes called carbonation).
A- Carbonation
Carbon dioxide in the air dissolves in rainwater and becomes
weakly acidic. This weak “carbonic acid” is able to dissolve
limestone as it seeps into cracks and cavities. Over many years, the
solution of the rock can form spectacular cave systems.
B- Acid rain
Polluting gases, like sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxide,
dissolve in rainwater to make stronger acids. When this rainwater
falls, we get acid rain. This acid attacks many rock types, both by
solution and hydrolysis, seriously damaging buildings and
monuments.
2- Hydrolysis - the breakdown of rock by acidic water to
produce clay and soluble salts.
Hydrolysis takes place when acid rain reacts with rock-forming
minerals such as feldspar to produce clay and salts that are
removed from the solution.
The only common rock-forming mineral that is not affected is
quartz, which is a chemically resistant mineral. This is why
quartz and clay are the two of the most common minerals in
sedimentary rocks.
3- Oxidation - the breakdown of rock by oxygen and water, often giving iron-rich rocks a
rusty-colored weathered surface.
3- Biological Weathering
Living organisms contribute to the weathering process
in many ways.
Trees put down roots through joints or cracks in the
rock in order to find moisture. As the tree grows, the
roots gradually prize the rock apart.
Even the tiniest bacteria, algae, produce chemicals
that help break down the rock on which they live, so
they can get the nutrients they need.
Many animals, such as these Piddock shells, bore into
rocks for protection either by scraping away the
grains or secreting acid to dissolve the rock.
