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Weathering and Erosion Processes
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Chemical Weathering
The breakdown of rock by chemical reactions, leading to rock decay. Common in moist, warm climates. Examples include oxidation, hydrolysis, and carbonation.
Physical Weathering
The mechanical breakdown of rocks into smaller pieces without changing the rock's mineral composition. Prevalent in arid and cold climates. Examples include frost wedging, exfoliation, and thermal expansion.
Biological Weathering
Also known as biogeochemical weathering, it involves living organisms breaking down rock physically or chemically. Common with plant roots and lichen.
Abrasion
A form of physical weathering where rock is worn away by friction and impact from other materials, such as sand carried by wind, water, or ice.
Hydraulic Action
A type of erosion where the force of water or waves strikes against rock surfaces, compressing air in cracks and causing the rock to break apart.
Salt Crystallization
A type of physical weathering that occurs when salt solutions seep into cracks and evaporate, leaving salt crystals to grow and exert pressure on the rock.
Soil Erosion
The displacement of the upper layer of soil by wind, water, or human activity, leading to the loss of nutrients and soil structure.
Oxidation
A chemical weathering process where oxygen reacts with minerals, particularly those containing iron, to form oxides. Example:
Carbonation
A chemical weathering process where dissolved in rainwater forms weak carbonic acid that reacts with minerals like calcium carbonate to form soluble bicarbonates.
Wave Erosion
The wearing away of land or the removal of beach or dune sediments by wave action. Coastal features like arches and sea stacks are a result of this erosion.
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