Science
Mechanical weathering.
Definition
Mechanical (physical) weathering is the breakdown of rocks into smaller pieces without changing their chemical composition. Common causes include frost wedging, root growth, thermal expansion, and abrasion by wind or water.
Examples
Real-world.
- 1 Water freezing in rock cracks and expanding, splitting the rock apart (frost wedging)
- 2 Tree roots growing into cracks and gradually prying rocks apart
- 3 Rocks tumbling in a river and becoming smooth and rounded