What Is Mechanical Weathering?
Mechanical weathering is the process of breaking big rocks into smaller rocks or concrete. Mechanical weathering usually occurs near the surface of the planet. Temperature is a factor in mechanical weathering. Depending on the weather, mechanical weathering is created by expanding and contracting due to the changing weather and temperatures.
Where Does Mechanical Weathering Occur?
Mechanical weathering occurs on pavement or on rock, due to the expanding or contracting of concrete or stone.
What Types Of Mechanical Weathering Are There?
Gravitational Weathering- when weathering occurs due to gravitation force pulling the rock downwards, causing it to split.
Frost Wedging- Occurs in an area with extreme cold and significant rainfall. Repeated freezing and thawing of stone to create weathering.
Rock Abrasion Weathering- Rocks and sediment grinding against each other wear and weather rock.
Thermal Expansion Weathering- As any substance is heated, it expands. As it cools, it contracts. In materials like rocks with many crystals, this expansion and contraction can cause mechanical fracturing.
Questions:
Q1. Based on the description, what type of mechanical weathering is this?
Q2. Estimate the size of the largest crack you can find
Q3. How deep is the largest crack?
Optional: Take a photo of your experience