describe the different processes of physical weathering
Answers
There are two main types of physical weathering: Freeze-thaw occurs when water continually seeps into cracks, freezes and expands, eventually breaking the rock apart. Exfoliation occurs as cracks develop parallel to the land surface a consequence of the reduction in pressure during uplift and erosion.
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Mechanical or physical weathering is a process that constantly takes place since nature influences it. The process usually happens near the surface of the earth influenced by wind, water, and temperature.
Wind
The physical forces of wind act on the loose rocks, leaving them sculptured and denudated. Wind forces carry small particles and rocks that collide with the rocks, in turn, wearing then away. The forces of wind on physical/mechanical weathering are common in sandstorms in deserts.
Water and Glacial Materials
Water, on the other hand, gets into the rocks and once inside the rocks and freezes. The frozen water expands and causes the rocks to weaken and widens the cracks. In the long-run, the bigger rocks are broken into smaller and smaller fragments. Moving ice in glacial areas also washes away rock fragments and disintegrates them into smaller pieces as the rocks interact with the forces and pressure of the frozen materials.
Temperature Fluctuations
Fluctuations in temperature contribute to thermal stress. This is the contraction and expansion effect on the rocks because of temperature changes. Because of the uneven expansion and contraction, the rocks crack and disintegrate into smaller pieces. Eventually, these processes make the rock break down into finer and finer pieces.