Mechanical Weathering Processes (Leaving Cert Geography): Flashcards
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What is mechanical weathering?
What is mechanical weathering?
Physical breakdown of rocks into smaller pieces, called Regolith.
Where does mechanical weathering primarily occur?
Where does mechanical weathering primarily occur?
In areas with joints, cracks, or spaces in the rock.
Where does mechanical weathering commonly occur?
Where does mechanical weathering commonly occur?
In regions with significant temperature fluctuations.
What is freeze-thaw action?
What is freeze-thaw action?
Physical weathering causing rocks to break through freezing.
Why is freeze-thaw common in upland areas?
Why is freeze-thaw common in upland areas?
It has abundant precipitation and fluctuates above/below freezing.
What happens during freeze-thaw cycles?
What happens during freeze-thaw cycles?
Water expands by 9% when freezing, applying pressure.
What accumulates on slopes due to freeze-thaw?
What accumulates on slopes due to freeze-thaw?
Scree, small fragments of rock, from frozen cracks.
What causes exfoliation in rocks?
What causes exfoliation in rocks?
It occurs due to rapid temperature changes, causing layers to separate.
What temperature change can trigger exfoliation?
What temperature change can trigger exfoliation?
Up to 40 °C between day and night in some locations.
Which rock type is commonly associated with exfoliation?
Which rock type is commonly associated with exfoliation?
Granite is primarily affected by exfoliation.