what is weathering?
the decay and disintergration of rocks in situ. involving chemical, biological and physical processes
what is regolith
the loose material found on the earths surface (rock/soil)
what is the definition of mechanical/physical weathering?
the breakdown of rocks into smaller fragments mechanical processes such as expansion and contraction
what is the definition of chemical weathering?
chemical reactions between the elements of the weather and some minerals between the rocks
what is the definition of biological weathering
physical actions such as the growth of plant roots or animals in the breakdown and decay of rocks
what is scree
weathered material at the base of the slope
what are some examples of physical weathering
freeze thaw
pressure release
exfoilation
salt crystal growth
tree root
what are some examples of chemical weathering
oxidation
hydrolysis
carbonation
hydration
what are factors that affect the rate of weathering
climate- rainfall, temperature
rock type
vegetation
relief
rock structure/ texture
human activity
what is sheer stress?
is the force exerted on the slope by the weight of the material under the influence of gravity acting in the down slope direction
what is shear strength?
is how resistant a slope is to being moved. the interlocking of soil particles increases teh ability of material to stay in place. plant roots also help bind soil together
what are some human factors that can cause a slope to fail?
deforestation
buildings
building roads
vibrations
mining
what are some physical factors that can cause a slope to fail?
weathering
animal burrowing
soil erosion
steepness of the slope
undercutting by the sea
earthquakes
rock type and structure
