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Explain the different types of weathering

Answer» “Weathering is the breaking down of rocks, soil and minerals as well as wood and artificial materials through contact with the Earth’s atmosphere, biota and waters.\tMechanical weathering is the physical breakdown of rocks into smaller and smaller pieces. One of the most common mechanical actions is frost shattering. Another type of mechanical weathering is called salt wedging. Winds, water waves, and rain also have an effect on rocks as they are physical forces that wear away rock particles, particularly over long periods of time.\tOrganic or biological weathering refers to the same thing. It is the disintegration of rocks as a result of the action by living organisms. Trees and other plants can wear away rocks since as they penetrate into the soil and as their roots get bigger Microscopic organisms like algae, moss, lichens and bacteria can grow on the surface of the rocks and produce chemicals that have the potential of breaking down the outer layer of the rock.\xa0\t\xa0Chemical weathering happens when rocks are worn away by chemical changes. The natural chemical reactions within the rocks change the composition of the rocks over time. Because the chemical processes are gradual and ongoing, the mineralogy of rocks changes over time thus making them wear away, dissolve, and disintegrate. The chemical transformations occur when water and oxygen interacts with minerals within the rocks to create different chemical reactions and compounds through processes such as hydrolysis and oxidation.


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