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Classes of Bedrock
There are three classes of rock:
Igneous Sedimentary Metamorphic
These rocks contain such primary materials as light-coloured quartz, muscovite and feldspars, and dark-coloured biotite, augite and hornblende. The darker-coloured rocks contain iron and magnesium and more easily weather. The mineral grains in igneous rocks are randomly dispersed and interlocked, producing a salt and pepper look.
Metamorphic rocks are igneous or sedimentary rocks that have been changed
by pressure and heat. A high degree of metamorphism can physically weaken the rock mass, permitting faster weathering. Both limestone and dolomite will transform into marble. Sandstone transforms into quartzite. Shale transforms into slate. Conglomerates transform into either gneiss or schist
Weathering
Rocks are broken down into ever-finer particles by weathering. Rocks are broken down in two fashions: by physical disintegration and decomposition. These are achieved through two forms of weathering: o Physical weather that leads to disintegration of rock o Chemical breakdown that leads to decomposition
Physical Weathering
Physical weathering is achieved in three ways.
Abrasion by water, ice, and wind Water loaded with sediment can also cut through rock, consider the Grand Canyon of Three Gorges in China or any river that runs through a gorge, a ravine, or valley of any size and depth. Windblown dust and sand will also wear down exposed rock by abrasion. Ice similar can wear down rock, especially if it holds mineral material that acts like sandpaper on wood. Plants and animals Plant roots often enter cracks and pry them apart. Burrowing animals also contribute to the disintegration of rock. The impact of plants and animals, however, is very small. Temperature some minerals expand more than others when heated. Therefore, temperature change creates differentiated pressure within rocks that eventually cause them to crack apart. The outer surface of a rock is often warmer or colder than the inner, more protected parts. This leads to exfoliation or the outer
part of the rock peeling away from the inner parts. This process accelerates when ice is produced .Water can seep into the cracks found in rocks and in temperate or colder environment freeze. When it freezes, the water expands, placing pressure on the rock, breaking it apart.
Chemical Weathering
While physical weathering is most intense in regions where the climate is dry and cool, chemical weathering is most intense in regions where the weather is dry and hot. [However it is important to note that both forms of weathering occur everywhere.] Chemical weathering is enhanced by the presence of water, oxygen, and the organic and inorganic acids resulting from biochemical activity.
Carbonation and other acid reactions Weathering is accelerated by the presence of acids that increase the activity of hydrogen ions in the soils water. Oxidation reduction certain minerals (those that contain iron, manganese and sulphur) are especially susceptible to oxidation reduction. o For example, iron in rocks exposed to air and water during soil formation, oxidizes (loses an electron). Complexation Soil biological processes produce organic acids such as oxalic, citric and tartaric acids, and larger fulvic and humic acid molecules. o These play an important role in chemical weathering transforming mineral materials into other matter and making essential plant nutrients available to plants. o Had there been no living organisms on Earth, the chemical weathering processes would have proceeded 1000 times more slowly and little if any soil would have been created. Integrated Process Once again we must remind ourselves that these processes are all occurring simultaneously and are interdependent.