Featured:
Allergies
Grilling Guide
eHow Now Blog

How Is Weathering Caused by Rain?

How Is Weathering Caused by Rain? thumbnail
The odd shapes of these rocks may be due to weathering.

Rocks are altered in the process of weathering. Chemical weathering transforms minerals in the rock, and mechanical weathering simply changes the rock's shape and size. Often rain is to blame for both types of weathering. Does this Spark an idea?

  1. Frozen Water

    • When water freezes, it expands nearly 10 percent. After rain, water seeps deep into the cracks and crevasses of rocks. If the water remains in the rock's cracks when it freezes, the rock will grow and expand with the water. This can cause breakage and fragmentation over time.

    Carbonic Acid

    • When carbon dioxide and rainwater are mixed in soil, carbonic acid is created. Carbonic acid depletes minerals in the rocks, slowly dissolving them. Rock is basically decomposed and becomes a new water soluble object.

    Hydrolysis

    • Hydrolysis is a process in which minerals are broken up by water. Hydrogen ions are activated and attack parts of the rock. This activity decomposes the rock's minerals. Silicates are the most common class of minerals, and they are also the most easily affected by this process.

Related Searches:

References

  • Photo Credit yesnaby castle image by hazel proudlove from Fotolia.com

Comments

You May Also Like

  • How to Simulate Rain Weathering

    Weathering is a simple, consistent force that, over time, creates majestic canyons, hollows out mountains and carves intricate arches. Rain is one...

  • Acid Rain Effects of Weathering

    Acid Rain Effects of Weathering. You can't tell the difference between clean rain and acid rain, but acid rain carries with it...

  • Elements That Cause Weathering Factors

    Elements That Cause Weathering Factors. Rock disintegrates because of exposure to weather elements, such as water, wind and heat. Weathering, therefore, is...

  • What Forces Cause Weathering & Erosion?

    What Forces Cause Weathering & Erosion?. Weathering and erosion are two different, but related, processes. Weathering is the breakdown of materials through...

  • About the Type of Weathering That Results in Acid Formation

    Weathering processes play a vital role toward cultivating soil and water environments. Through a series of physical, chemical and biological stages, rock...

  • How Does Air Cause Weathering of Rocks?

    Weathering is the slow and ongoing process that breaks rocks into smaller particles. Along with water, air is a primary agent in...

  • Why Can Granite Withstand Acid Rain?

    The two prominent components of granite are quartz and feldspar. The feldspar in the granite reacts with rain to cause weathering, although...

  • Definition of Weathering of Rocks

    Although rocks appear to be hard and not easily broken, they are not immune to nature's forces, which erode and change them...

  • How to Clean Rain Gutters

    Rain gutters are meant to gather and direct the water that flows down the roof towards downspouts that lead to the ground....

  • How Is Chemical Weathering Caused by Wind?

    Nature's variable seasons and forces exert a considerable impact on soil environments and rock formations. As winds work to move particles and...

  • Chemicals in Rain Water

    Chemicals in Rain Water. Rain water is often considered a safe source of clean water. While it is a soft water source...

  • Facts About Weathering

    Have you ever wondered what makes the low, rounded mountains of the American Northeast different from the tall, rugged Himalayas? The main...

  • Causes of Weathering

    Causes of Weathering. Weathering is an attempt by natural elements of rain, wind and temperature to disintegrate rock as it is exposed...

  • Why Does Rain Cause Joint Pain?

    April showers bring May flowers, and they may also bring joint pain for many. When a friend tells you that it is...

  • Types of Biological Weathering

    Weathering is the process wherein natural occurrences and reactions break down materials over time. One type of weathering is mechanical, caused by...

  • Causes of Physical Weathering

    Physical weathering, also known as mechanical weathering, is the process by which rocks disintegrate. The mechanical physical weathering process occurs slowly, yet...

  • How Is Mechanical Weathering Caused by Animals?

    Land environments consist of rock and soil formations that undergo continuous physical and chemical change. Rock and soil environments are subject to...

  • What Causes Large Rocks to Weather?

    Weathering is a geological process that affects every exposed rock surface rock on the planet. Unlike erosion, which involves the movement of...

Related Ads

thumbnail
Featured