3.2.2

Weathering

Test yourself

What are the 2 Types of Weathering?

Weathering describes the natural processes that break down rocks. There are 2 main types of weathering - mechanical weathering and chemical weathering.

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Mechanical weathering

  • The chemical composition of rock stays the same in mechanical weathering (also called physical weathering).
  • The main type of mechanical weathering that affects coastlines is freeze-thaw weathering. This happens in colder weather conditions when water fills a crack in a rock and freezes.
    • Water expands when it freezes causing the crack to get wider and deeper.
    • When the ice melts, there is now a larger crack that fills with water and then freezes again.
    • This process of freezing and melting (known as thawing) can cause significant erosion on coastlines over time.
Illustrative background for Chemical weatheringIllustrative background for Chemical weathering ?? "content

Chemical weathering

  • In chemical weathering, the chemical composition of rock changes.
  • When the climate is warm and wet, carbon dioxide can dissolve in rain to create a 'carbonic acid'.
  • The carbonic acid in rainfall hits rocks and dissolves the parts of the rock made of calcium carbonate.
  • This also breaks down rock.

Jump to other topics

1The Challenge of Natural Hazards

1.1Natural Hazards

1.2Tectonic Hazards

1.3Weather Hazards

1.4Climate Change

2The Living World

3Physical Landscapes in the UK

3.1The UK Physical Landscape

3.2Coastal Landscapes in the UK

3.3River Landscapes in the UK

3.4Glacial Landscapes in the UK

4Urban Issues & Challenges

5The Changing Economic World

6The Challenge of Resource Management

6.1Resource Management

6.2Food

6.3Water

6.4Energy

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