weathering processes

Question 1

what is physical weathering?
give an example
what landforms can they create?
are they significant for glaciers ?

Answer 1

•Physical weathering is the process by which rocks break down into smaller pieces
•one example is freeze-thaw weathering, when water gets into cracks in rocks and freezes, expanding it until it eventually breaks open
• it can create scree slops
• yea it’s significant for a glacier as it’s the main weathering process which helps shape the landscape

Question 2

what is chemical weathering? give an example
what landforms can they create?
how significant is it in terms of glaciation?

Answer 2

• the process of breaking down rocks through chemical reactions often involving water
• one example is the reaction of carbon dioxide with rainwater to form carbonic acid, which dissolves limestone
• this can create caves.
• very significant as it’s the main form of subaerial weathering that takes places in glaciated landscapes

Question 3

what is biological weathering? give an example.
is it significant in terms of glaciation?

Answer 3

• the process where rock is broken down by living organisms.
• e.g tree roots grow
• not very significant as there’s not much vegetation where the glaciers are, since it’s cold

Question 4

how do tree roots erode?

Answer 4

• through a process called root wedging.
• As tree roots grow, they can create cracks and in rocks and soil, and expand overtime causing the rock to break apart.

Question 5

what is chelation?

Answer 5

-a chemical weathering process where organic compounds or acids bind to metal ions and dissolve in the glacial meltwater.

Question 6

what is hydrolysis?

Answer 6

• a chemical weathering process where rocks or minerals are broken down due to the reaction with water.

Question 7

what is hydration ?

Answer 7

• a chemical process where water molecules interact with minerals, such as clays or salts

Question 8

what is carbonation ?

Answer 8

• a chemical weathering process where carbon dioxide or carbonic acid reacts with rock like calcium carbonate (CaCO3), found in rocks like limestone.

Question 9

what is oxidation?

Answer 9

• a chemical weathering process where oxygen reacts with the rock and minerals within it, leading to changes in their chemical composition.

Question 10

what is solution ?

Answer 10

• when soluble minerals and materials dissolve in water.

Question 11

what is frost shattering?

Answer 11

• a physical weathering process that occurs when water seeps into cracks in rocks and then freezes and expands causing the rock to break apart overtime.

Question 12

what is pressure release?
what does it form?

Answer 12

• a physical weathering process when the pressure on a rock decreases, often due to melting or the movement of the glacier which causes the rocks to crack