Question

Describe the chief characteristics of Weathering in different climates.

Answer 1

1. Weathering is a term which describes the general process by which rocks are broken down at the Earth’s surface into such things as sediments, clays, soils and substances that are dissolved in water.

2. The process of weathering typically begins when the earth’s crust is uplifted by tectonic forces. After the physical breakup and chemical decay of exposed rocks by weathering, the loosened rock fragments and alterations products are carried away through the process of erosion.

3. Erosion relies on transporting agents such as wind, rivers, ice, snow and downward movement of materials to carry weathered products away from the source area. As weathered products are carried away, fresh rocks are exposed to further weathering. Over time, that mountain or hill is gradually worn down.

Answer 2

Weathering is the breakdown and alteration of rocks and minerals at ornear the Earth's surface into products that are more in equilibrium with the conditions found in this environment. Climate plays a role in the amount and type of weathering through solar radiation from the sun, water and temperature and wind. Most rocks and minerals are formed deep within the Earth's crust where temperatures and pressures differ greatly from the surface. Because the physical and chemical nature of materials formed in the Earth's interior are characteristically in disequilibrium with conditions occurring on the surface. Because of this disequilbrium, these materials are easily attacked, decomposed, and eroded by various chemical and physical surface processes, which vary by climate type (sun radiation, water, temperature and wind). (http://www.physicalgeography.net/fundamentals/10r.html)Weathering is one aspect that plays a role in the geomorphic and biogeochemical processes. For example, the products of weathering are a major source of sediments for erosion and deposition in all climates, although differentially. Many types of sedimentary rocks are composed of particles that have been weathered, eroded, transported, and terminally deposited in basins. Another role of weathering is that it contributes to the formation of soil by providing mineral particles like sand, silt, and clay. Elements and compounds extracted from the rocksand minerals by weathering processes supply nutrients for plant uptake. The fact that the oceans are saline in the result of the release ofion salts from rock and minerals on the continents. Leaching and runoff transport these ions from land to the ocean basins where they accumulate in seawater. In conclusion, weathering is a process that plays a role and is fundamental to many other aspects of the hydrosphere, lithosphere, and biosphere