Question

describe how the actions of plants and animals can cause physical weathering

Answer 1

Physical weathering, also known as mechanical weather, is the process of rocks and minerals on Earth's surface breaking down or dissolving as a result of water, ice, salt, plants, animals or changes in temperature. Physical weathering does not change the chemical composition of the rock, just cracks and crumbles it into smaller pieces. After a rock has weathered, erosion occurs, transporting bits and pieces away. Finally a deposition process deposits the rock particles in a new place.

Animals that burrow underground, such as moles, gophers or even ants, can also cause physical weathering by loosening and breaking apart rocks. Dens and tunnels are signs of this type of weathering. Other animals dig and trample rock on the Earth's surface, causing rock to slowly crumble apart. This process exposes new parts of the rock to the elements, making them susceptible to other types of weathering, such as chemical weathering.

Plants can cause physical weathering as their roots grow. Seeds of plants or trees can grow inside rock cracks where soil has collected. The roots then put pressure on the cracks, making them wider and eventually splitting the rock. Even small plants can cause this kind of weathering over time.

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