Weathering

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What is weathering?

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Weathering is the process of breaking down rocks and minerals at the Earth's surface through physical, chemical, or biological means.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

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What are the two main types of weathering?

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The two main types of weathering are physical weathering and chemical weathering.

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What is physical weathering?

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Physical weathering is the mechanical breakdown of rocks into smaller pieces without changing their chemical composition.

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What is chemical weathering?

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Chemical weathering involves the chemical alteration of minerals in rocks, leading to changes in their composition and structure.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

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Give an example of physical weathering.

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An example of physical weathering is wind blasting sand at rock and carving out arches.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

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Give an example of chemical weathering.

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An example of chemical weathering is the decaying plant that gives off acid, weakening a rock and causing it to break.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

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What is frost wedging?

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Frost wedging is a type of physical weathering where water seeps into cracks in rocks, freezes, and expands, causing the rock to break apart.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-1

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

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What role does temperature play in weathering?

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Temperature changes can cause rocks to expand and contract, leading to physical weathering through processes like thermal stress.

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What is the impact of biological weathering?

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Biological weathering occurs when living organisms, such as plants and animals, contribute to the breakdown of rocks through physical or chemical means.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

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How does acid rain contribute to weathering?

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Acid rain, formed from pollutants in the atmosphere, can accelerate chemical weathering by reacting with minerals in rocks.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2