Weathering refers to any process by which rock is broken down at the surface level. This may refer to ordinary wear and tear or the cracking and splitting of the rock surface. This breakdown can lead to large structural changes and destruction of rock, known as erosion.
The three different types of weathering are physical, chemical and biological. Physical weathering is caused by mechanical forces, without any change to the makeup of the rock. For example, water can freeze inside small holes in rock, causing the rock to split and crack. Chemical weathering is caused by reactions among minerals in the rock and outside chemicals. Perhaps the best-known type of chemical weathering is acid rain, precipitation that contains acids that corrode the surface of rock.
Biological weathering only refers to weathering caused by organisms -- animals, plants, fungi and microorganisms such as bacteria. While certain forms of biological weathering, such as the breaking of rock by tree roots, are sometimes categorized as either physical or chemical, biological weathering can be either physical or chemical. Biological weathering can work hand in hand with physical weathering by weakening rock or exposing it to the forces of physical or chemical weathering.
Visit the location and answer the following questions:
1) What type of weathering is taking place? (physical, chemical or biological)
2) Support your opinion by explaining what you see taking place.
3)Although there is one very obvious cause of weathering at this location, can you see evidence of other causes? What is it?
4)Continue walking on this trail for at least .5 miles. Post a picture at a different location showing weathering. Include yourself or your GPS in the picture-faces optional. REMINDER: the picture should include a different example of weathering.
sources: sciencing.com/biological-weathering
This cache has been approved by park manager: Ben Morse (315)492-1500