(a) (i) Define weathering (ii) State two types of weathering
(b) Discuss briefly four factors which influence weathering
(a) (i) Weathering is the physical or chemical breakdown of rocks, soils, and minerals into smaller particles or substances through natural processes. (ii) The two types of weathering are mechanical or physical weathering and chemical weathering.
(b) Four factors that influence weathering are: 1. Climate: Weathering processes are influenced by climatic conditions such as temperature, rainfall, and humidity. High temperatures and rainfall accelerate chemical weathering while low temperatures and low rainfall lead to slow weathering. 2. Topography: The relief or topography of a region affects the intensity of weathering. Mountains, for instance, are prone to mechanical weathering due to their steep slopes while low-lying areas experience chemical weathering as a result of water accumulation. 3. Vegetation: Plants and other organisms affect weathering by producing acids and organic compounds that contribute to chemical weathering. Plant roots also cause mechanical weathering by breaking up rocks. 4. Time: The length of time that rocks and minerals are exposed to weathering agents determines the extent of weathering. Rocks that have been exposed to weathering for long periods are more susceptible to erosion and breakdown than those that have not been exposed for long.
Overall, these factors interact and work together to influence the type and extent of weathering that occurs in a particular region.
(a) (i) Weathering is the physical or chemical breakdown of rocks, soils, and minerals into smaller particles or substances through natural processes. (ii) The two types of weathering are mechanical or physical weathering and chemical weathering.
(b) Four factors that influence weathering are: 1. Climate: Weathering processes are influenced by climatic conditions such as temperature, rainfall, and humidity. High temperatures and rainfall accelerate chemical weathering while low temperatures and low rainfall lead to slow weathering. 2. Topography: The relief or topography of a region affects the intensity of weathering. Mountains, for instance, are prone to mechanical weathering due to their steep slopes while low-lying areas experience chemical weathering as a result of water accumulation. 3. Vegetation: Plants and other organisms affect weathering by producing acids and organic compounds that contribute to chemical weathering. Plant roots also cause mechanical weathering by breaking up rocks. 4. Time: The length of time that rocks and minerals are exposed to weathering agents determines the extent of weathering. Rocks that have been exposed to weathering for long periods are more susceptible to erosion and breakdown than those that have not been exposed for long.
Overall, these factors interact and work together to influence the type and extent of weathering that occurs in a particular region.