Question

Define weathering.

Answer 1

Weathering: It is defined as the process of breaking down large or bigger rocks into smaller minerals and then into the smallest particles to form soil.

This includes three ways they are as follows:

1. Physical weathering: This refers to the weathering caused by physical forces like temperature and wind that only cause a mechanical disintegration of the rocks but do not alter their chemical composition.
2. Chemical weathering: This refers to changes in the chemical constitution of the rocks. it involves the weakening and subsequent disintegration of rocks by chemical reactions. These reactions include oxidation, hydrolysis, and carbonation.
3. Biological weathering: The process of weakening and subsequent disintegration of rocks by plants, animals, and microbes is called biological weathering. Growing plant roots can exert stress or pressure on the rock thereby cracking it. Similarly, burrowing animals can cause physical disintegration too.