Weathering

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What is weathering?

Back

Weathering is the process of breaking down rocks and minerals into smaller pieces by natural forces such as water, ice, and temperature changes.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

Front

What is erosion?

Back

Erosion is the movement of sediment or soil from one location to another by means of water, ice, or wind.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

Front

What is mechanical weathering?

Back

Mechanical weathering is the physical 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, changing their composition and structure.

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What is biological weathering?

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Biological weathering occurs when living organisms, such as plants and animals, contribute to the breakdown of rocks.

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How does water contribute to weathering?

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Water can enter cracks in rocks, freeze, and expand, causing the rocks to break apart.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

Front

What role do plants play in weathering?

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Plants weather rocks by growing roots into cracks, which can expand and break the rocks apart.

Front

What is the difference between weathering and erosion?

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Weathering is the breakdown of rocks, while erosion is the movement of those broken pieces from one place to another.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

Front

What are some examples of mechanical weathering?

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Examples include freeze-thaw cycles, abrasion from wind or water, and root expansion.

Front

What are some examples of chemical weathering?

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Examples include rusting of iron, dissolution of limestone in acid rain, and hydrolysis of feldspar to clay.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

NGSS.MS-PS1-2