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Process of breakdown of rocks on Earth

Caused by actions involving water, ice, acids, salts, plants, animals, gravity and changing temperatures.

Happens especially in places where there is little soil and few plants.

Caused by the effects of changing temperature, and it is sometimes assisted by water.

Scraping and “wearing away”

wind is the main culprit

Water seeps inside the rock, freezes, and then expands.

usually in cold regions

It can happen as cracks when there is a loss of pressure on the rock.

onion skin

Caused by rainwater reacting to the mineral grains in rocks to form new crystals and soluble salts.

Rapidly occurs at higher temperatures, warm and damp environments are best.

Carbon dioxide in the air dissolves in rainwater

This “weak” carbonic acid can dissolve limestone by seeping into the cavities and cracks of it.

Polluting gases (sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide) dissolves in rainwater to produce acid rain.

very corrosive, and attacks many rock types, seriously damaging buildings and other structure.

produces Acidic or Basic water and breaks the bond of other atoms

Water reacts chemically with the rocks, modifying its chemical structure. Water attaches itself to the compound.

Breakdown of rocks by oxygen and water, often giving it a rusty-colored weathered surface.

Rocks are weakened by biological agents such as plants and animals.

Some plants and animals produce acidic substances that react with rocks and causes its slow disintegration.

When plant roots grow, it would create fracture and cracks that eventually results to rock breakage.

Burrowing animals such shrews and moles create holes in the ground by excavation, thus moving rock fragments to the surface. Humans also contribute to this.