Weathering
Geomorphic processes
- Geomorphic processes are the methods involved in changing the shape of the landscape
- The Earth's surface is continually being made, destroyed and reformed
- This is achieved through various methods of erosion, weathering, mass movement, transportation and deposition
Weathering
- Weathering is the break-down of rock in its place of origin (in situ)
- It is not erosion, as the rock does not move
- Types of weathering include:
Types of Weathering
Type of weathering | Process |
Mechanical | Temperature changes cause rocks to break down |
Biological |
Rock breakdown due to action of plants and animals |
Chemical | Rock decomposes due to chemical reaction |
Mechanical (physical) weathering
- Also called freeze-thaw or frost shattering
- This happens in places where night temperatures often reach below freezing
Process of Freeze-thaw Weathering
Biological weathering
Process of Biological Weathering
- Nesting birds and small burrowing animals like rabbits can also cause rock to breakdown through biological weathering
Chemical weathering
- There are few ways that chemical weathering can occur:
- Carbonation - rain is slightly acidic and reacts with limestone, causing them to dissolve
- Oxidation - iron minerals in the rock react with the air to cause rust and breakdown the rock
- Solution - when salt minerals in the rock are dissolved
Weathering in the UK
- The UK's climate is considered to be temperate - there are no extremes of weather
- Physical weathering of the UK's landscape is usually slow
- However, areas that receive more precipitation and fluctuations in temperature, such as the mountains of Wales and Scotland, see higher rates of chemical weathering and freeze-thaw weathering
Table Showing Climatic Conditions of the UK
Part of the UK | Climate |
North-west | Cool summers, mild winters and high rainfall |
North-east | Cool summers, cold winters and low rainfall |
South-west | Warm summers, mild winters and high rainfall |
South-east | Warm summers, cold winters and low rainfall |