Which of the following is not a process of chemical weathering?
Answer Details
Chemical weathering is a process in which the chemical composition of rocks and minerals is altered due to exposure to certain substances or environmental conditions. It plays a significant role in the breakdown and decomposition of rocks over time.
Out of the options given, **frost action** is not a process of chemical weathering. Frost action, also known as freeze-thaw weathering, refers to the physical breakdown of rocks caused by repeated freezing and thawing of water within the rock fractures. It is a type of physical weathering, not chemical.
Now let's briefly explain the other three options and how they relate to chemical weathering:
1. **Hydrolysis** is a chemical process in which water reacts with minerals in the rock, leading to their breakdown. Minerals such as feldspar and mica are commonly affected by hydrolysis. Water molecules interact with these minerals, causing them to break down into new minerals or dissolved ions. This process weakens the rock's structure and contributes to its gradual degradation.
2. **Oxidation** is another chemical process that occurs when certain minerals in rocks react with oxygen in the presence of water or air. This reaction causes the minerals to undergo a chemical change, resulting in the formation of new compounds. For example, when iron minerals in rocks come into contact with oxygen, they can oxidize and form iron oxide, more commonly known as rust. This process weakens the rock and makes it more susceptible to further weathering.
3. **Carbonation** is the chemical weathering process associated with the dissolution of carbon dioxide in water, forming carbonic acid. This acid reacts with minerals such as calcium carbonate (present in rocks like limestone and marble), leading to their dissolution. Carbonation is a common process in regions with a high concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere or in areas where water with dissolved carbon dioxide comes into contact with rocks.
In conclusion, **frost action** is not a process of chemical weathering but rather a form of physical weathering. Hydrolysis, oxidation, and carbonation, on the other hand, are all examples of chemical weathering processes that contribute to the degradation and alteration of rocks over time.