Factors Affecting the Rate of Weathering (Leaving Cert Geography): Flashcards
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12 cards from this deck
What is weathering?
What is weathering?
Breakdown of rocks & minerals in place (no transport away)
3 main types of weathering
3 main types of weathering
Mechanical, chemical, biological
Mechanical weathering
Mechanical weathering
Physical breakdown without changing chemical composition
Chemical weathering
Chemical weathering
Breakdown involving chemical changes to the rock
Biological weathering
Biological weathering
Breakdown caused by living organisms (plants & animals)
How do soft vs hard minerals weather?
How do soft vs hard minerals weather?
Soft minerals (feldspar, calcite) break down much faster than hard (quartz)
Examples of soft minerals
Examples of soft minerals
Feldspar, calcite, iron compounds
How does surface area affect weathering?
How does surface area affect weathering?
More exposed surface area = faster weathering (fractures, small pieces)
How does precipitation affect weathering?
How does precipitation affect weathering?
High rainfall = more chemical weathering (water needed for reactions)
How does temperature variation affect weathering?
How does temperature variation affect weathering?
Wide temperature ranges accelerate weathering (freeze-thaw cycles)
How does vegetation affect weathering?
How does vegetation affect weathering?
Provides protection; bare surfaces weather much faster
How does acid rain affect weathering?
How does acid rain affect weathering?
Dissolves minerals faster, accelerates chemical weathering