Weathering and Erosion

Weathering is the process of breaking down of rocks and minerals into smaller pieces due to various physical, chemical, and biological factors.

Frost wedging is a physical weathering process in which water seeps into cracks and crevices in rocks, freezes, and expands, causing the rock to break apart.

Erosion is the process of wearing away of the Earth's surface by the action of water, wind, ice, and other natural forces.

Rill erosion is a type of water erosion in which small channels or rills are formed on the land surface due to the erosive action of flowing water.

Transportation is the process of transporting weathered materials from one place to another by various agents such as water, wind, ice, and gravity.

Saltation is a type of wind transportation in which sand and other small particles are lifted and carried by the wind in a bouncing motion.

Deposition is the process of depositing weathered materials at a new location by various agents such as water, wind, ice, and gravity.

Moraines are ridges of unsorted glacial debris deposited at the edges of glaciers.

Biological weathering is the process of breaking down of rocks and minerals into smaller pieces by the action of living organisms such as plants, animals, and microorganisms.

Root wedging is a type of biological weathering in which the roots of plants grow into cracks and crevices in rocks, causing the rock to break apart.

Chemical weathering is the process of chemical alteration of rocks and minerals by the action of water, oxygen, and other chemicals.

Oxidation is a type of chemical weathering in which oxygen combines with elements in rocks and minerals, causing them to change their chemical composition.

Mechanical weathering is the process of breaking down of rocks and minerals into smaller pieces by the action of pressure and stress.

Frost wedging is a type of mechanical weathering in which water seeps into cracks and crevices in rocks, freezes, and expands, causing the rock to break apart.

Glacial erosion is the process of wearing away of the Earth's surface by the action of glaciers.