Describe how rocks undergo weathering The processes that can cause Physical Weathering

Exogenic Process – Process which occur 1. Thermal and Pressure change – Changes
on Earth’s surface due to the influence of in temperature contribute to expansion
exogenic forces. and contraction of rocks.

2. Freeze and thaw – When water enters the

rocks rises, the rocks expand and when the
temperature of rock decreases, the rock
contracts.

3. Wind and waves – Tiny grains of sand are

picked up and carried off by the wind, which
are then blasted on the surface of rock.

4. Organic Activity- Trees and other plants

can wear away rocks when their roots
penetrate into the cracks in the rocks.
The processes that can cause Chemical Weathering

1. Hydration/ Hydrolysis- Chemical

reactions caused by water.

3. Carbonation- Is the mixing of water with carbon

dioxide to make carbonic.
-Rain water is naturally acidic because carbon dioxide
gas chemically reacts with it and produces carbonic
acid, a weak acid, which reacts slowly with carbonate
mineral rocks.

2. Oxidation – Also known as rusting. It is the

process whereby the rock minerals lose one or
more ions or atoms in the presence of oxygen.
 Mass Wasting – Also known SLOPE MOVEMENT.

Gravity- causes section of cliffs and hills to move down slope.

Sleep and unstable slope- are more likely to have a

mass movement than gentle and stable slopes.

TYPES OF MASS MOVEMENT

a. Fall or tropple- happens when rocks & other sediment falls

through their air and land at the bottom of a slope.
b. Slide- happen when the section of soil/ rock suddenly gives way
and moves down a slope.
c. Flows are misture of water and sediment
d. Creep- is a very slow mass movement that goes for years or
even centuries
Different Types of Stress 1. Differential Stress- experience an additional
unequal stress due to tectonic force.
2. Lithostatic Stress – the
pressure or stress
imposed on a layer of
soil/ rock by the weight of
overlying materials.