Processes
Weathering
Citation Formats
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The deterioration of rocks, soils and minerals in place through contact with water, atmospheric gases, sunlight and biological organisms. It breaks material down where it stands; erosion is the separate process that then carries the loosened material away.
Facts
TimescaleSlow, in place, years to millennia 1 Driving ForceRock, soil and minerals break down in place through contact with water, atmospheric gases, sunlight and biological organisms. 1 Resulting FeatureThe broken-down material combines with organic matter to form soil. 1 SignificanceWeathering is a crucial part of the rock cycle: the sedimentary rock it eventually produces covers about two-thirds of Earth's continents. 1 Cross-Tradition Connections
Associated With
Karstification is a specific, carbonate-focused expression of chemical weathering.
In Discipline
Part Of
Weathering breaks rock down into the sediment the rest of the cycle transports, deposits and lithifies.
Sources
1. Weathering (Wikipedia)
Wikimedia FoundationIntroduction (agents)Quote, Introduction (agents)
Weathering is the deterioration of rocks, soils and minerals...through contact with water, atmospheric gases, sunlight, and biological organisms.
1. Weathering (Wikipedia)
Wikimedia FoundationSoilQuote, Soil
The materials left after the rock breaks down combine with organic material to create soil.
1. Weathering (Wikipedia)
Wikimedia FoundationIntroduction (rock cycle role)Quote, Introduction (rock cycle role)
Weathering is a crucial part of the rock cycle; sedimentary rock, the product of weathered rock, covers 66% of the Earth's continents and much of the ocean floor.
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