Describe the main difference between mechanical weathering and chemical weathering.
Describe the main difference between mechanical weathering and chemical weathering.
WEATHERING:
Weathering refers to the disintegration and decomposition of rocks in situ (where it is situated). The term 'weathering' comes from the word 'weather'. So, weathering means breaking up or decaying of rocks by the action of natural agents, such as, temperature, rain, wind, humidity and frost.
MECHANICAL OR PHYSICAL WEATHERING:
Weathering and erosion are the two processes of degradation which work simultaneously in lowering the surface of the Earth. Degradation of land surface is initiated by mechanical weathering. It involves the disintegration of rocks by mechanical means without changing their mineral composition. It is also known as physical weathering as it refers to the physical disintegration of rocks. This type of weathering results from the action of [i] temperature changes [ii] wind [iii] frost and [iv] Rainfall.
CHEMICAL WEATHERING:
Chemical weathering involves the decomposition of rocks by chemical means changing their mineral composition.
This type of weathering results from the action of weak acids and gases like oxygen, carbon dioxide, hydrogen etc., High temperature and humidity cause the rocks to decompose. The action involves the following four processes : [i] Oxidation [ii] Carbonation [iii] Hydration and [iv] Hydrolysis.
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN MECAHNICAL AND CHEMICAL WEATHERING:
| MECHANICAL WEATHERING | CHEMICAL WEATHERING |
|
1) It is a physical process in which the rock is broken into smaller pieces. |
1) The weathering of rock beings through chemical process. |
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2) There is a no change in the composition of minerals present in the rocks. |
2) Chemical weathering results in changing composition of minerals present in the rocks. |
| 3) Physical weathering takes place in all regions where there are wide changes in temperature found. | 3) Chemical weathering takes place in all regions where there is rain. |
| 4) Disintegration of rock is associated with the mechanical weathering. | 4) Decomposition of rock is associated with the chemical weathering. |
| 5) Mechanical weathering largely found in hot desert regions, glaciated high mountainous regions and frozen cold temperate regions. | 5) Chemical weathering largely occur in equatorial humid regions, tropical west regions, and limestone regions. |
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