Geography

Second CA:
Exploring
weathering
and the rock
cycle
By: Omayma 9 Orange
Weathering:

What is weathering?
■ Weathering is the process by which rocks and minerals dissolve or break down on the
earth’s surface due to various environmental factors. This occurrence breaks down and
alters the earth’s surface over time. There are two main types of weathering. The first is
physical weathering which includes physical processes without changing the rocks
chemical composition. The second is chemical weathering which is the process in which
rocks are broken down due to chemical reactions.
Physical weathering
■ Physical weathering is the process where rocks and minerals undergo structural changes without altering their
chemical composition. This occurs due to various physical forces and environmental factors. One common
method of physical weathering is called freeze-thaw weathering, where water seeps into the cracks of rocks,
freezes, and expands, causing the rock to fracture. Another process is abrasion, where wind, water, or ice
transport particles that grind against rocks, wearing them down over time. Physical weathering plays an
important role in breaking down larger rock structures into smaller particles, shaping landscapes over time.
 Chemical
weathering
Chemical weathering is the process by
which rocks and minerals are broken
down through chemical reactions.
This can involve reactions with water,
oxygen, acids, or other substances,
leading to changes in the composition
and structure of the rocks over time.
Examples include the dissolution of
minerals like calcite in limestone or
the formation of clay minerals from
feldspar.
■ This photo shows Mount St Helens before
and after it erupted. Volcanic eruptions
contribute to chemical weathering
through the release of gases and the
formation of new minerals. During an
eruption, gases like sulphur dioxide react
with water vapour in the atmosphere,
forming acid rain. This acidic rainfall
accelerates the breakdown of rocks
The three types of rocks: