📚 Topic Summary
Weathering is the breakdown of rocks, soils, and minerals through contact with the Earth's atmosphere, waters, and biological organisms. It's a crucial part of the rock cycle and shapes our landscapes. There are three main types: Physical Weathering (mechanical breakdown), Chemical Weathering (decomposition by chemical reactions), and Biological Weathering (breakdown by living organisms).
🧪 Part A: Vocabulary
Match the term with its definition:
| Term |
Definition |
| 1. Exfoliation |
A. The disintegration of rocks caused by physical processes like freezing and thawing. |
| 2. Hydrolysis |
B. The breakdown of rocks due to the chemical reaction with water. |
| 3. Frost Wedging |
C. The process where plant roots break apart rocks. |
| 4. Root Wedging |
D. The peeling away of outer layers of rock, often due to pressure release. |
| 5. Oxidation |
E. The reaction of rock minerals with oxygen, often resulting in rust. |
🌍 Part B: Fill in the Blanks
Complete the following paragraph using the words: carbonation, lichens, abrasion.
__________ is a form of chemical weathering where carbonic acid dissolves rocks like limestone. __________ are organisms that secrete acids, contributing to biological weathering. __________ is a type of physical weathering caused by the collision of rocks and particles.
🧠 Part C: Critical Thinking
Explain how both physical and chemical weathering contribute to the formation of soil. Provide an example of each type of weathering in your explanation.