Weathering is the initial step in soil creation. Weathering happens in four different manner: These include chemical weathering, physical weathering, biological weathering and mechanical weathering. The three major ways weathering happens include chemical, physical and mechanical weathering which are explained below.
Physical Weathering
Physical weathering happens when rocks are fragmented into minor fragments while ensuring no alterations in their chemical makeup. The main causes behind physical weathering include spontaneous fluctuations in temperature like too high or too low heat or cold. Variations in would be the causal element of freeze-thaw action and this occurs when water gets collected in the fissures in rocks all through the day and during the temperature drops at night that would be sufficient to freeze water into ice. It is a known fact that almost every substance grows in size when heated and contracts when exposed to low temperature situations. Unlike these cases water converts to ices when the temperature goes below zero and actually expands. The resultant action would result in the expansion of the fissure and thereby the structure of it weathers.
Chemical Weathering
Chemical weathering happens when the chemicals get diluted and dissolved in water and seeps and percolates down the rock surfaces. Chemical weathering happens in areas having high temperatures and enough supply of water alike tropical environments that are humid. While the chemical weathering happens, the composition of minerals alters due to the reaction of chemicals in water or air. This also results in the rock decomposition. Some parts of the rock decomposition are carried away ping through rocks and soil, a procedure called leaching. The water ultimately may carry these materials to rivers and then to the sea. This is the source of the salinity of the oceans. The instances of chemical weathering are oxidation, decay of calcium carbonate, etc.
Mechanical Weathering
Rocks are also fragmented by mechanical force. This procedure is called mechanical weathering. Because of the frequent variations in temperature, rocks begins to contract and expand. This action results in the breakdown of rocks. It is also caused by roots of plants. They are growing through the cracks in the rocks and cracks the rocks apart. Chemical and mechanical weathering work together to break down rocks. Often, mechanical cracks and water seeps into the rock and weathers it chemically.
Yogita Ingle 5 years ago
Weathering is the initial step in soil creation. Weathering happens in four different manner: These include chemical weathering, physical weathering, biological weathering and mechanical weathering. The three major ways weathering happens include chemical, physical and mechanical weathering which are explained below.
Physical Weathering
Physical weathering happens when rocks are fragmented into minor fragments while ensuring no alterations in their chemical makeup. The main causes behind physical weathering include spontaneous fluctuations in temperature like too high or too low heat or cold. Variations in would be the causal element of freeze-thaw action and this occurs when water gets collected in the fissures in rocks all through the day and during the temperature drops at night that would be sufficient to freeze water into ice. It is a known fact that almost every substance grows in size when heated and contracts when exposed to low temperature situations. Unlike these cases water converts to ices when the temperature goes below zero and actually expands. The resultant action would result in the expansion of the fissure and thereby the structure of it weathers.
Chemical Weathering
Chemical weathering happens when the chemicals get diluted and dissolved in water and seeps and percolates down the rock surfaces. Chemical weathering happens in areas having high temperatures and enough supply of water alike tropical environments that are humid. While the chemical weathering happens, the composition of minerals alters due to the reaction of chemicals in water or air. This also results in the rock decomposition. Some parts of the rock decomposition are carried away ping through rocks and soil, a procedure called leaching. The water ultimately may carry these materials to rivers and then to the sea. This is the source of the salinity of the oceans. The instances of chemical weathering are oxidation, decay of calcium carbonate, etc.
Mechanical Weathering
Rocks are also fragmented by mechanical force. This procedure is called mechanical weathering. Because of the frequent variations in temperature, rocks begins to contract and expand. This action results in the breakdown of rocks. It is also caused by roots of plants. They are growing through the cracks in the rocks and cracks the rocks apart. Chemical and mechanical weathering work together to break down rocks. Often, mechanical cracks and water seeps into the rock and weathers it chemically.
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