• Weathering and Erosion: A Collaborative Process Weathering, the breakdown of rocks into smaller fragments, and erosion, the transportation of these fragments, work in tandem to shape the Earth's landscape. Physical weathering mechanisms, such as abrasion, frost wedging, and thermal stress, break rocks apart, while chemical weathering processes like oxidation, hydrolysis, and carbonation alter their composition.
• Types of Weathering: Physical weathering involves mechanical forces (abrasion from wind, water, ice; frost wedging from freezing water expansion; thermal stress from temperature changes), while chemical weathering involves changes in the rock's chemical composition (oxidation forming rust; hydrolysis replacing ions; carbonation forming carbonic acid). • Cave Formation and Erosion's Role: Caves are often formed through carbonation, where carbonic acid dissolves limestone. Subsequently, erosion, driven by water, wind, ice, or gravity, transports the weathered material to new locations, further shaping the landscape. Various erosion types like rainfall erosion, valley erosion, and glacial erosion contribute to this process.
Free Weathering and Erosion Worksheet
Weathering and Erosion ANSWER KEY
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