Which of the following factors aid the weathering of rocks? 1. Intens...
Factors Aiding the Weathering of Rocks
Weathering refers to the process by which rocks are broken down into smaller fragments or transformed into different minerals through physical, chemical, and biological processes. Several factors contribute to the weathering of rocks. The correct answer, option 'D', states that all of the following factors aid in the weathering of rocks:
1. Intense heating during the day and rapid cooling at night:
- Temperature changes play a significant role in the weathering of rocks. When rocks are exposed to intense heating during the day, they expand. As a result, cracks and fractures develop within the rocks.
- At night, the rapid cooling causes the rocks to contract. This contraction further enhances the development of cracks and fractures. Over time, these cracks and fractures become pathways for water and other weathering agents to penetrate deeper into the rocks, accelerating the weathering process.
2. Pore pressure of water seeping into rocks:
- Water is one of the most important agents of weathering. When water seeps into rocks, it exerts pressure on the rock material, known as pore pressure.
- The pore pressure of water can weaken the rocks, especially if the water freezes and expands within the rock crevices. This process, known as frost wedging, causes the rocks to crack and break apart.
3. Thawing of rocks:
- Thawing refers to the process of melting frozen water within rocks. When water freezes within the rock crevices, it expands, exerting pressure on the surrounding rock material.
- During thawing, the ice melts, releasing the pressure within the rock. This repeated freezing and thawing cycle weakens the rocks, leading to the development of cracks and fractures.
In summary, all three factors mentioned in the given options contribute to the weathering of rocks. Intense heating and rapid cooling lead to thermal expansion and contraction, pore pressure of water seeping into rocks causes frost wedging, and the thawing process weakens the rocks. These processes eventually break down the rocks into smaller fragments, facilitating the further breakdown and transformation of the rocks through weathering processes.
Which of the following factors aid the weathering of rocks? 1. Intens...
- Some applied forces determine the physical or mechanical weathering processes. Following are the few applied forces:
(i) Gravitational forces like overburden pressure, load and shearing stress;
(ii) Expansion forces due to changes in temperature, crystal growth or animal activity;
(iii) Water pressures controlled by wetting and drying cycles.
Many of these forces act both at the surface and within different Earth materials, causing fracture of the rocks. Thermal expansion and pressure release are responsible for most of the physical weathering processes. Though these processes are slow and small, rocks suffer continued fatigue due to repeated contractions and expansions that greatly damage the rocks.