chemical and biological weathering

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  • Created by: beaw18
  • Created on: 25-04-19 12:17
oxidation
some minerals in rocks react with oxygen in air or water, iron is susceptible to this process. becomes soluble under acidic conditions and original structure is destroyed
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carbonation
rainwater combines with CO2 in atmosphere - produces weak carbonic acid. reacts with calcium carbonate in rocks such as limestone; produces soluble calcium bicarbonate. reversible process
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solution
some salts are soluble in water; other minerals (like iron) are only soluble in very acidic water. any process where a mineral dissolves in water is known as a solution
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hydrolysis
chemical reaction between rocks and minerals - silicates combine with water, producing secondary minerals such as clays
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hydration
water molecules add to rock minerals to create minerals of a larger volume
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tree roots (biological weathering)
tree roots grow into cracks and joints and exert outward pressure. similar to the effects of freeze-thaw. when trees topple, leverage on rocks and soil
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organic acids (biological weathering)
produced during decomposition of plant and animal litter which cause soil water to become more acidic. flora example - blue green algae produces iron film on rocks, fauna - molluscs secrete acids
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Other cards in this set

Card 2

Front

rainwater combines with CO2 in atmosphere - produces weak carbonic acid. reacts with calcium carbonate in rocks such as limestone; produces soluble calcium bicarbonate. reversible process

Back

carbonation

Card 3

Front

some salts are soluble in water; other minerals (like iron) are only soluble in very acidic water. any process where a mineral dissolves in water is known as a solution

Back

Preview of the back of card 3

Card 4

Front

chemical reaction between rocks and minerals - silicates combine with water, producing secondary minerals such as clays

Back

Preview of the back of card 4

Card 5

Front

water molecules add to rock minerals to create minerals of a larger volume

Back

Preview of the back of card 5
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