Vocabulary
The process by which rocks and minerals are broken down into smaller pieces through contact with the atmosphere, water, and living organisms — without being moved from their original location.
What is Weathering?
The long-term pattern of temperature and precipitation in an area. Climate is one of the most important factors controlling weathering — hot, humid climates speed up chemical weathering, while cold climates promote mechanical weathering.
What is climate?
The gradual breakdown of dead organic matter (plants, animals, organisms) by bacteria, fungi, and other decomposers. Decaying material releases organic acids into the soil that seep into rock and accelerate chemical weathering — making decay a key link between biology and geology.
What is decaying?
A form of mechanical weathering where water seeps into cracks in rock, freezes, expands by about 9%, and forces the crack wider — eventually splitting the rock apart. Also called frost wedging.
What is Ice wedging?
A chemical weathering process in which oxygen reacts with iron-rich minerals in rock, forming iron oxide (rust). This weakens the rock and causes it to crumble.
What is Oxidation?