Geography: Understanding Weathering
Learning objective: By the end of this Chapter, you must be able to describe what is weathering and distinguish the different types of weathering and how weathering occurs in each element. What is weathering Weathering is the breaking down of rocks and minerals on the surface of the earth due the exposure of atmospheric condition, element of weathering includes, flowing and running water, Ice, plant roots, acid, animals and change in temperature. Once the rock has been broken down the process called erosion transports the bit of rocks and minerals away, no rock on earth is hard enough to resist the force of weathering. Three Types of weathering 1. Mechanical or Physical weathering - This type of weathering which is caused mainly due temperature difference and is particularly noticeable in areas that are hot during the day and very cold at night. The constant heating and cooling of the surface rocks causes them to expand during the day and contrast at night. This puts the top fe