Physical Weathering HMH

Front

What is physical weathering?

Back

Physical weathering is the process of breaking down rocks and minerals into smaller pieces without changing their chemical composition.

Front

What is abrasion by water?

Back

Abrasion by water occurs when moving water causes rocks to collide with each other, resulting in them becoming round and smooth.

Front

What are the agents of physical weathering?

Back

The agents of physical weathering include temperature change, pressure change, animal action, wind, water, gravity, and plant growth.

Front

What is plant growth in the context of weathering?

Back

Plant growth refers to the process where roots of plants grow into cracks in rocks, exerting pressure that can break the rocks apart.

Front

What is frost wedging?

Back

Frost wedging is a type of physical weathering that occurs when water seeps into cracks in rocks, freezes, expands, and causes the rocks to break apart.

Front

What is ice wedging?

Back

Ice wedging is similar to frost wedging; it involves the freezing and expansion of water in rock cracks, leading to the fragmentation of the rock.

Front

What is differential weathering?

Back

Differential weathering is the process where softer, less weather-resistant rocks wear away at a faster rate than harder rocks, leading to uneven landscapes.

Front

What is exfoliation?

Back

Exfoliation is a type of weathering where layers of rock peel away due to pressure release, often seen in granite formations.

Front

How does temperature change contribute to physical weathering?

Back

Temperature change can cause rocks to expand when heated and contract when cooled, leading to stress and eventual cracking.

Front

What role does gravity play in physical weathering?

Back

Gravity can cause rocks and soil to move downhill, leading to erosion and the breakdown of materials.