Weathering

Weathering-any of the chemical or mechanical processes by which rocks exposed to the weather undergo changes in character and break down.

Ex: changing color or breaking down

Biological weathering-This is the effect of living things. For example,as the roots of a tree extend to the ground they can pry rocks apart.

Frost disintegration-this is the process when water gets into the cracks of rocks.When it becomes too cold the water freezes causing the rock to split or break apart.

Mechanical weathering-This is the process of weathering which physical forces break down or reduce rocks into smaller and smaller figures.

Chemical-This causes an alteration to the chemical composition of rock due to the reaction. Water that is slightly acidic can dissolve rock.

Ex: Here is a gopher digging a hole for his home. He is weathering the dirt from rocks into softer soil. This is biological weathering.