Which type of weathering involves the outer layer of rock peeling off due to expanding as it is heated and contracting as it is cools?
Which type of weathering involves the outer layer of rock peeling off due to expanding as it is heated and contracting as it is cools?
The correct option is B Insolation weathering
Expansion of rock surface when heated
by the Sun followed by contraction as the temperature falls can allegedly
weaken bonds along grain boundaries and cause subsequent flaking off of rock
fragments or dislodging of mineral grains. This is called insolation weathering.
Generally, rocks are poor conductors of heat. The effect of daily heating
and cooling is confined to surface layers of the rock. The outer layer of rock
is heated up and expands during the day while the inner layer of rock remains cool. The outer layers
eventually peel off (like an onion skin), exposing the inner layers to the
surface for further exfoliation.
Expansion of rock surface when heated by the Sun followed by contraction as the temperature falls can allegedly weaken bonds along grain boundaries and cause subsequent flaking off of rock fragments or dislodging of mineral grains. This is called insolation weathering. Generally, rocks are poor conductors of heat. The effect of daily heating and cooling is confined to surface layers of the rock. The outer layer of rock is heated up and expands during the day while the inner layer of rock remains cool. The outer layers eventually peel off (like an onion skin), exposing the inner layers to the surface for further exfoliation.
