Understanding Weathering and Erosion

Front

Weathering

Back

of rocks at Earth's surface

Front

Erosion

Back

The movement of weathered materials by wind, water, or ice.

Front

Mechanical weathering

Back

breakdown of rocks without chemical change

Front

Chemical weathering

Back

Weathering of rocks by chemical reactions

Front

Frost wedging

Back

Water freezes in cracks, expands, and breaks the rock.

Front

Abrasion

Back

Grinding against each other, wearing surfaces away.

Front

Oxidation (weathering)

Back

of minerals with oxygen, often forming rust.

Front

Hydrolysis

Back

Reaction with water altering minerals.

Front

Carbonation

Back

Carbon dioxide dissolves in water, forms carbonic acid, and dissolves rock.

Front

Biological weathering

Back

Animals or microbes breaking down rocks