In the long term, however, the constant stress on the rock may cause it to break apart completely. In the short-term, this will cause flaking and erosion of the outer layer of the rock. Similarly, during the cold nights, the rapid cooling down of the rock causes the outer layer to contract more quickly than the inside. When a rock is exposed to extreme heat, the outer layer of the stone may expand at a faster rate than the inside. Regions experiencing extreme temperatures of heat and cold, like deserts, are prone to another form of physical weathering. This leads to the weakening of the rock's structure, which will cause it to break apart over time. In regions where the temperature drops to below zero, the moisture within the rock freezes, which causes the cracks in the rock to expand.Ĭontinuous freezing and melting of the moisture within the rock force the small cracks to keep on expanding and contracting. Frost Weatheringĭuring a rain shower, moisture is able to infiltrate small cracks within the rock. In this case, more than one element is involved in the mechanical weathering process. (Abrasion is the process that use friction to break down an object through rubbing, scratching, and chaffing.)Ī good example to demonstrate this process is the weathering of a rock which is exposed to the elements 24 hours a day. Mechanical weather is the weakening and breakdown of objects like rocks, bricks, and concrete through a process called abrasion. Within these two sections, different processes and atmospheric elements are working in their unique ways to weaken and break down objects on the surface.īy examining how these different processes work within each of the two main categories, you will be able to get a much better understanding of how the various weathering processes work. Weathering can broadly be divided into two categories: This can include the object's characteristics, the amount of time it is exposed to the elements, and the types of weather variables it is exposed to. These various processes will determine the time, as well as the extent to which weathering occurs.įor example, the time it takes for different objects to break down completely will depend on individual variables. There are a variety of ways in which the weathering breakdown process takes place. In the case of erosion, the object is weakened and broken down by moving fragments or weathered parts of the object away from its original location.Īs we discuss the causes of weathering, the differences between the two processes will become much clearer. In the case of weathering, the object gets weakened and broken down while it remains in the same position. The most significant difference between weathering and erosion rests on the location where the event takes place. As a result, it is essential to understand how it differs from weathering to eliminate any confusion. Atmospheric conditions (weather) can also be responsible for this occurrence. Since the causes of weathering include erosion, it needs to be addressed and clarified before we can examine the different types of weathering.Įrosion can be a direct result of weathering and have the same impact on the environment. The Difference Between Weathering And Erosion Sustained periods of exposure to any one of these elements in the atmosphere, or a combination of them, will result in a weakening and eventual breakdown of most objects.
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