Name: Our Earth
Uploaded: 2019-07-19
Duration: 35 min 36 s
Description: Earth is an ellipsoid with a circumference of about 40,000 km. It is the densest planet in the solar system. Let's watch this video and learn more about earth.

Question

What are the various factors which cause weathering of rocks? Explain in detail.

Accepted Answer

Weathering describes the dissolving of rocks and minerals on the surface of the Earth. The process of weathering of rocks takes place by physical, chemical and biological means.

Physical weathering takes place by the action of sun, wind and water.

Sun: Heating and cooling of rocks during day and night causes uneven expansion and contraction of the rocks, respectively. Due to this they develop cracks and start degrading. They break into smaller parts.

Water: Water gets inside the cracks present in the rocks and freezes at lower temperatures. Freezing causes expansion in the volume of water and it breaks the rocks. The continuous flow of water over rock surfaces leads to abrasion. The rocks degrade into smaller particles.

Wind: Strong wind leads to degradation of rocks into smaller particles. It also carries these particles to different places.

Chemical Weathering

It involves a number of chemical processes such as hydrolysis, hydration, oxidation, reduction, etc. Carbon dioxide dissolves in water to form carbonic acid that degrades rocks. Also, rocks react with oxygen to form oxides of different elements like iron oxide, copper oxide etc.

Biological Weathering

Lichens, mosses and other small plants growing on rocks cause degradation of rocks. Lichens growing on rock surfaces secrete acids that degrade rocks. After this, mosses start growing on these rock particles, degrading them. Plants growing in cracks and crevices, also degrade rocks by physical force or chemicals secreted.

What are the various factors which cause weathering of rocks? Explain in detail.

Important Questions on Natural Resources

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