What Are the Three Types of Weathering?
The three types of weathering are mechanical weathering, chemical weathering and organic weathering. Weathering refers to the breaking down of rocks by the conditions in their environment.
Mechanical weathering occurs when rocks are broken down by the movement of other rocks, changes in temperature, the action of ice or water, or changes in the physical stress applied to the rocks. Chemical weathering is the result of chemicals in the environment reacting with the material in the rock to change its composition and cause decay. Carbonation and oxidation are types of chemical weathering. Organic weathering occurs when plants and animals break down rocks. For example, plant roots working into rocks and animals digging and moving rocks are both types of organic weathering.
