LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Describe the process of weathering
explain how rocks are broken down through weathering
understand the forces that break down rocks
DISCUSSION
WEATHERING - is an important process that helps shape the earth's surface. The breaking of rocks results in the formation of soil and different landforms.
Weathering can be mechanical or chemical. Mechanical weathering is the physical wearing away of rocks, while chemical weathering involves a change in the composition of rocks that allows them to break down into pieces.
AGENTS OF WEATHERING:
The different agents of weathering include water, wind, temperature, plants, animals, and people.
Water - Water can break rock in different ways. The strong waves hitting the rocks can make it break.
Wind - another agent of weathering that causes many beautiful formations. As the wind blows, it carries sand or small rock particles that scratch the rock's surface.
Temperature _ When rocks are exposed to varying temperatures, they expand. If rocks are exposed to a low temperature, they contract. The repeated expansion and contraction of rocks due to changes in temperature results in weathering.
Plants - Some plants like lichen, ferns, and mosses, can also trigger weathering. It can grow on rocks and soil and cause it to break into pieces. Trees can also trigger weathering. Its growing roots can break the cemented ground in search of more minerals in the soil.
Animals - Animals that live underground also contribute to weathering. As burrowing animals dig deeper, they can cause rock to break into pieces, too.
Humans - Subdivision developers use a bulldozer to flatten mountains or hills to build houses. Some construction workers use jackhammers to break boulders of rock as they repair roads.
ASSESSMENT
Answer the following questions briefly.
How can waves contribute to the weathering of rocks?
Why is weathering an important process in the environment?