In science, "weathering" refers to the process by which rocks and minerals are broken down, dissolved, or worn away by various physical, chemical, or biological processes. Weathering occurs continuously over time and plays a significant role in shaping the Earth's surface features. There are two main types of weathering:
Mechanical Weathering: Also known as physical weathering, this type involves the physical breakdown of rocks into smaller fragments without altering their chemical composition. Mechanical weathering processes include frost wedging, thermal expansion and contraction, abrasion by wind and water, and the action of plant roots.
Chemical Weathering: Chemical weathering involves the alteration of rock minerals through chemical reactions with water, air, or other substances. This type of weathering can result in the dissolution of minerals, formation of new minerals, or changes in mineral composition. Examples of chemical weathering processes include hydrolysis, oxidation, and carbonation.
Weathering plays a crucial role in the formation of soil, the transport of sediments, and the shaping of landscapes over geological time scales.
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