Chemical Weathering
Science: KS3, topic 2.5.8
Chemical Weathering
Weathering is when rocks break down into smaller pieces. There are three types of weathering: physical, chemical and biological.
Chemical weathering
- Chemical weathering is caused by rain water reacting with the rocks.
- This is often the case when the water is acidic.
Carbonation
- Rainwater is somewhat acidic.
- This is due to dissolved carbon dioxide.
- This dissolves limestone.
- This process is how caves are formed.
Acid rain
- Acid rain is caused by dissolved sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides.
- These pollutant gases are often released from factories.
- They mix with the water in the clouds.
- This makes the water more acidic.
- This acid rain damages statues and buildings.
Test yourself on Chemical Weathering
Cave Formation
Acid Rain
Which of these are true of acid rain?
Which compound or element does NOT dissolve in rain and make it acidic?
A hill is made of limestone rock. Acidic rainwater with dissolved carbon dioxide flows through cracks in the rock for hundreds of years. What is most likely to happen to the limestone?