| A | B |
|---|
| weathering | the breaking down of earth materials from exposure to the atmosphere; depends on the climate, composition of the rock, and the surface area exposed |
| mechanical weathering | breaking down of rocks into smaller pieces without changing their chemical composition |
| abrasion | type of mechanical weathering; breaking down by rocks rubbing together |
| frost action | type of mechanical weathering; also called ice wedging; expansion that occurs as water turns into ice breaks the rocks |
| root pry | type of mechanical weathering; the growth of plant roots break the rock |
| exfoliation | type of mechanical weathering; release of pressure as overlying rocks are eroded away, which lets the rock expand, so it breaks |
| chemical weathering | as the rock is broken down, it is changed into something different |
| oxidation | type of chemical weathering; by combination with oxygen (ex: rust) |
| hydrolysis | type of chemical weathering; rock doesn't just get wet, it reacts with water and changes, such as when mica plus water changes into clay |
| carbonation | type of chemical weathering; carbonate rocks react with a mild acid, which releases CO2 |
