Chemical Weathering of Rocks

Chemical weathering is a type of weathering process that occurs when rocks

and minerals are exposed to the atmosphere and undergo chemical reactions with the
air, water, and other substances found in the environment. This process is an important
part of the rock cycle, which is the continuous process by which rocks are created,
destroyed, and transformed through various geological processes.
It is the breakdown of rock by chemical reactions which is chemical composition
is changed. It involves the interaction of rock with mineral solutions (chemicals) to
change the composition of rocks. In this process, water interacts with minerals to
create various chemical reactions and transform the rocks.

There are mainly three (3) types of chemical weathering:

1. Carbonation - is a type of chemical weathering that occurs when
carbon dioxide in the air reacts with minerals in the rock, such as
calcium carbonate. This process can lead to the formation of new
minerals, such as calcite, and can also cause the rock to become
more porous and brittle.
2. Oxidation - is another type of chemical weathering that occurs when
oxygen in the air reacts with minerals in the rock. This process can
cause iron-bearing minerals to rust, which can weaken the rock and
make it more prone to physical weathering. It is the reaction of a
substance with oxygen
3. Hydrolysis - is the breakdown of rock by acidic water to produce clay
and soluble salts. In the process of hydrolysis, new solution (a mixture of two or
more substances) is formed as chemicals in rock interact with water. In many rocks,
for example, sodium minerals interact with water to form a saltwater solution.
Hydrolysis happens when acid rain reacts with rock-forming minerals such as
feldspar to produce clay and salts that are removed in solution.
 Chemical weathering of continental rocks is the major chemical process by which soils
are generated. Soils constitute a fundamental reservoir of (macro- and micro-) nutrients
essential for the normal healthy growth of living organisms (plants, animals, and humans at
the end of the food chain). Chemical weathering controls the formation and evolution of soil,
particularly (1) the concentration and distribution of chemical elements in the soil including the
elements that control soil fertility and (2) the physical properties of the soil. This is particularly
important for nutrient deficient soils of tropical countries, which represent one-third of the
continental surface, constitute huge fresh water reservoirs, and where 50% of the world
population is living.

Chemical weathering can also be

influenced by other factors, such as the
presence of biological activity and the presence
of acidic substances. For example, plants and
microorganisms can secrete acids that can help
to break down rocks and minerals, and acidic rainwater can also contribute to chemical
weathering. The rate of chemical weathering can vary significantly depending on the specific
rock or mineral, the climate and environment in which it is located, and the type of chemical
reactions that are occurring. In general, chemical weathering is more likely to occur in warm,
humid environments, where there is plenty of water and oxygen present, and where biological
activity is high.
Chemical weathering is a key process in the cycle of the elements at the Earth’s
surface. Within the different reservoirs (continent, ocean, and atmosphere) chemical
weathering is the major source of elements delivered by rivers to the oceans.
Despite its destructive nature, chemical weathering is an important process in the
natural world, as it helps to create the diverse array of soils and minerals that are necessary
for the growth and development of plants and other organisms. It is also an important factor in
the formation of landforms, as the alteration of rock through chemical weathering can lead to
the creation of valleys, cliffs, and other features.