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Professor
Rafa
BlakeWeathering is a slow process because it involves the breakdown of rocks and minerals into smaller particles through physical, chemical, and biological forces. These forces act over long periods of time, gradually wearing down the Earth's surface. Factors such as climate, type of rock, and level of vegetation can influence the rate of weathering.
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How does physical and chemical weathering combine to affect rocks?
Physical weathering breaks down rocks into smaller pieces, increasing their surface area exposed to chemical weathering processes. Chemical weathering alters the mineral composition of rocks, weakening them and making them more susceptible to further physical weathering. Together, physical and chemical weathering work to break down rocks into smaller particles and alter their composition over time.
How does weathering help in reshaping of Earth's topography?
Weathering breaks down rocks into smaller particles, which can be easily eroded and transported by natural forces like wind, water, and ice. This process contributes to the reshaping of Earth's topography by wearing down mountains, carving out valleys, and forming new landforms over time.
Why weathering only occur on the surface of the earth?
Weathering occurs on the surface of the Earth because it is driven by exposure to the atmosphere and environmental factors, such as moisture, temperature changes, and chemical reactions with the air. Weathering processes like mechanical weathering and chemical weathering break down rocks and minerals on the Earth's surface over time. Subsurface rocks are not as exposed to these environmental factors, so weathering processes are less active below the surface.
What kind of weathering occur on the moon?
Weathering on the moon is mainly caused by impacts from meteoroids and solar radiation. These factors break down the surface rocks into smaller particles over time. There is no significant liquid water or atmosphere on the moon, so processes like frost weathering or chemical weathering are minimal.
Must weathering happen before erosion?
Weathering is the process that breaks down rocks and minerals into smaller pieces. Erosion, on the other hand, is the process of transporting these smaller pieces to different locations. So, weathering typically occurs before erosion as it is the initial step in the breakdown of rocks before they can be moved through erosion processes.
