Physical weathering of rocks involves the breakdown of rocks into smaller pieces without changing their chemical composition. This process is primarily caused by mechanical forces such as temperature changes, pressure, abrasion, or the action of water, wind, or ice.
1. Frost wedging: When water seeps into the cracks of rocks and freezes, it expands, exerting pressure and causing the rocks to crack and break apart.
2. Thermal expansion and contraction: Rocks expand when heated and contract when cooled. Repeated cycles of heating and cooling can cause the outer layers of rocks to crack and eventually break off.
3. Exfoliation: This process occurs in areas with large temperature fluctuations. As the outer layers of rocks expand and contract at different rates, they develop fractures, causing thin slabs or layers to peel off.
4. Abrasion: Mechanical rubbing or grinding of rocks against each other or other sediments can break them down into smaller particles. This can occur due to the movement of water, wind, or ice, which carries abrasive particles that act as agents of erosion.
5. Pressure release: When deeply buried rocks are exposed due to erosion or uplift of overlying rocks, the removal of pressure allows the rocks to expand and crack.
6. Root wedging: Plant roots growing into cracks or crevices can exert pressure and widen the openings, causing rocks to break apart.
7. Salt crystal growth: In environments with saltwater sources, salt crystals can form and grow within the pores or cracks of rocks. As the crystals grow, they exert pressure on the rocks, causing them to fracture.
These physical weathering processes gradually break down rocks into smaller fragments, eventually leading to the formation of sediment.
Physical of Weathering of Rock Quick Check
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