Identify the type of physical weathering occurring in this image.

Describe what caused this type of weathering to occur in this rock.

1 answer

To effectively identify and describe physical weathering, I'd need to see the specific image you are referring to. However, I can provide you with some common types of physical weathering and their causes.

  1. Mechanical Weathering: This involves the physical breakdown of rocks without changing their chemical composition. Common types include:

    • Frost Wedging: Water enters cracks in rocks, freezes, and expands, causing the rock to break apart.
    • Thermal Expansion: Variations in temperature cause rocks to expand and contract, leading to fracturing.
    • Exfoliation: Layers of rock peel away due to pressure release, typically seen in igneous rocks like granite.
  2. Biological Weathering: This type is caused by living organisms, such as plant roots growing into cracks and breaking the rock apart.

  3. Abrasion: Particles in wind, water, or ice collide with the rock surface, wearing it down over time.

If you could provide details or a description of the image, I can help identify the type of physical weathering more accurately and discuss its causes!