We use cookies to give you the best experience possible. By continuing we’ll assume you’re on board with our cookie policy

Types of Chemical Weathering

essay
The whole doc is available only for registered users

A limited time offer! Get a custom sample essay written according to your requirements urgent 3h delivery guaranteed

Order Now

Chemical Weathering is the process of disintegration or decomposition of rocks due to chemical processes. It alters the intrinsic properties such as chemical structure, composition and density of the minerals that the rock is made up of.

A rock’s susceptibility to Chemical Weathering depends on the stability of the minerals in it. Rock is composed of minerals that are generally quite stable at the time of formation. When there is variation in the surrounding environment, some minerals tend to become unstable. Chemical reactions take place when the rock comes into contact primarily with water, resulting in formation of new stable compounds and secondary residual materials.

Following are the types of Chemical Weathering that occur in common.

Hydrolysis:
This chemical process happens in case of silicate minerals reacting with water. Granite and sandstone commonly undergo hydrolysis. The H+ and OH- ions in water replace mineral ions (calcium, potassium etc.) to form clay and weak acids. Clay is a weak mineral which crumbles easily and hence withering of rock takes place.

Hydration:
This process involves attachment of the H+ or OH- ions to the crystal lattice structure of minerals. Hence it tends to increase the volume, thereby leading to softening or decomposition. Hematite and Bauxite are common minerals that are hydrated under humid conditions. Though the physical appearance of rock changes, it does not cause much chemical transformation to the substance.

Oxidation:
Also known commonly as rusting, this process combines oxygen molecules with the mineral ions such as iron, calcium or magnesium. Oxygen is normally taken from the moisture in soil or air. Subsequently, it results in reduction of the mineral to a less stable compound. A typical example is conversion of iron (Fe) radicals into rust or iron oxide (Fe2O3) which is weaker.

Reference:

http://classof1.com/homework-help/earth-science-homework-help/

Related Topics

We can write a custom essay

According to Your Specific Requirements

Order an essay
icon
300+
Materials Daily
icon
100,000+ Subjects
2000+ Topics
icon
Free Plagiarism
Checker
icon
All Materials
are Cataloged Well

Sorry, but copying text is forbidden on this website. If you need this or any other sample, we can send it to you via email.

By clicking "SEND", you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy. We'll occasionally send you account related and promo emails.
Sorry, but only registered users have full access

How about getting this access
immediately?

Your Answer Is Very Helpful For Us
Thank You A Lot!

logo

Emma Taylor

online

Hi there!
Would you like to get such a paper?
How about getting a customized one?

Can't find What you were Looking for?

Get access to our huge, continuously updated knowledge base

The next update will be in:
14 : 59 : 59