Chapter 10 Weathering and Soil Formation

1. Chapter 10Weathering and Soil Formation Standard S6E5.c: Process that changes rocks and the surface of Earth

2. Weathering • Mechanical Weathering • The mechanical or chemical process that breaks down rock • Physically breaks rock into smaller pieces • Ice, wind, water, gravity, plants animals EQ: What is mechanical weathering?

3. Ice Wedging • Water seeps into the cracks or rock, freezes (ice expands), thaws, freezes again • Makes the crack wider causing the rock to break apart

4. Abrasion • Grinding & wearing away of rock surfaces is the result of friction or rubbing against each other. • Wind, water, gravity

5. Plants • Animals • Plant roots push on the rock causing it to split apart • Burrow through the soil • Worms, ants, mice, coyotes, rabbits

6. Chemical weathering • Water • Process that breaks down rocks as a result of chemical reactions • Water, weak acids, air • Dissolves the rock EQ: What is chemical weathering?

7. Acid Precipitation (acid rain) • Rain, sleet, snow that contain a high concentration of acids • Caused by sulfuric & nitric acids from erupting volcanoes & burning fossil fuels (cars & power plants)

8. Acids in Groundwater • Acids in Living Things • React with rocks in the ground, like limestone • May produce a cavern after many years • Acids in living things, such as lichen, slowly break down rocks

9. Oxidation • Chemical reaction when an element such as iron, reacts with oxygen to form an oxide, like rust

10. Compare and contrast mechanical and chemical weathering. • Describe an example of either mechanical or chemical weathering that you have actually seen. Summary

11. Cocoa Puffs • Cinnamon Toast Crunch • Cheerios • Lucky Charms • Oreo Cookies Supplies needed for Soil Activity: Sign up to bring.