Weathering, Erosion & Deposition

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What is chemical weathering?

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The breakdown and decomposition of rocks as a result of chemical reactions and processes.

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What is weathering?

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The process by which rocks are broken down.

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How do plants contribute to weathering?

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Plants weather rocks when roots grow into cracks of rocks and expand, causing the rock to break.

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What happens when iron in rocks reacts with oxygen?

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It forms iron oxide (rust), which weakens rocks and causes them to break apart; this is an example of chemical weathering.

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What is erosion?

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The process in which wind, water, ice, or gravity transport rock fragments from one location to another.

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What is deposition?

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The process by which sediments, soil, and rocks are added to a landform or land mass.

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What is physical weathering?

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The mechanical breakdown of rocks into smaller pieces without changing their chemical composition.

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What role does water play in weathering?

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Water can cause both chemical and physical weathering; it can dissolve minerals and also freeze in cracks, expanding and breaking rocks.

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What is sedimentation?

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The process of settling or being deposited as sediment.

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How does temperature affect weathering?

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Extreme temperature changes can cause rocks to expand and contract, leading to physical weathering.