Weathering

Question 1

Mechanical weathering

Answer 1

• Frost Shattering, also known as freeze-thaw. (Expansion of water repeatedly).
• Salt Crystallization, salt crystals accumulate and stress the rock.
• Wetting and Drying, frequent cycles of wetting and drying, rocks such as clay expand when dry, constant cycle can crack and break them up.

Question 2

Biological weathering

Answer 2

• Thin plant roots grow into a cliff, as they expand they can break up the rock.
• Water running through decaying vegetation (acidity)
• Birds and animals digging burrows into cliffs.
• Marine organisms burrowing into rocks or secreting acids.

Question 3

Chemical weathering

Answer 3

• Carbonation, rainwater and carbon dioxide forms carbonic acid, easily dissolving rocks such as limestone and chalk.
• Oxidation, rock minerals reacting with oxygen.
• Solution, dissolving of rock minerals.