EXFOLIATION

It can happen as cracks develop parallel to the

land surface as a consequence of the
reduction in pressure during uplift and
erosion. It occurs typically in upland areas
where there are exposures of uniform coarsely
crystalline igneous rocks. The following are the
process of exfoliation.

The rock mass at depth is under high pressure from underlying rocks. It tends to be uniform and lack
fractures. - As progressive erosion occurs, the rock mass is subjected to progressively lower pressure
of overlying rocks which leads to tension in directions at right angles to the land surface - this tension
is relieved by formation of cracks which follow the land surface.
In simpler terms, some types of rocks form beneath the surface of the earth, This causes them to form
under increased pressure than that of rocks that form on the surface. If something happens to cause
the rock to come to the surface (ex, earthquake), the pressure is then released and the rock will
expand. As it expands, it pushes the outermost layers of the rock outward until they break off
EXFOLIATION

They are relatively flat on plateaus but can be steep on

the flanks of mountains which are called exfoliation
domes - once the crack is developed; water enters and
causes chemical weathering leading to the formation of
new low- density minerals. This enhances the cracks and
encourages slabs of rock to detach from the surface.
An example of exfoliation is Half Dome in Yosemite
National Park, which formed after glaciers caused
surface rock to be removed. This released the pressure
on rock under the surface and allowed it to expand,
breaking off in sheets that slide off the side of the
mountain, leaving a dome shape
CHEMICAL Chemical weathering is caused by rainwater
WEATHERING reacting with the mineral grains in rocks to form
new minerals (clays) and soluble salts. It
decomposes, dissolves, alters, or weakens the
rock through chemical processes to form residual
materials
These reactions occur particularly when the
water is slightly acidic.
These chemical processes need water, and
occur more rapidly at higher temperature, so
warm, damp climates are best.

Chemical weathering (especially hydrolysis and

oxidation) is the first stage in the production of
soils.
FOUR 1. Carbonation - is a process by which carbon dioxide in the air
DIFFERENT dissolves rainwater which chemically react with the surrounding
TYPES OF THE environment which produces carbonic acid. A weakly acid that reacts
with carbonate minerals in the rock.
MOST
IMPORTANT This weak "carbonic acid” can dissolve limestone as it seeps into cracks
CHEMICAL and cavities. Over many years, solution of the rock can form
spectacular cave systems.
WEATHERING
This process simultaneously weakens the rock and removes the
chemically weathered minerals

An example of carbonation weathering is the stalactites

and stalagmites
Water reacts with carbon-dioxide to form carbonic
acid. It then seeps slowly through the roof of the
cave, depositing calcium carbonate, which hardens
and builds up over time to form a stalacite.
FOUR
DIFFERENT
TYPES OF THE
MOST 2. Hydrolysis - is a reaction that occurs when the hydrogen in rainwater
IMPORTANT reacts with the minerals in the rocks, dissolving it, and producing new
CHEMICAL compounds like clay and soluble salts.

WEATHERING An example of this is when water comes in contact with granite. The
rock-forming minerals, such as feldspar crystals, inside the granite
react chemically, forming minerals such as clay and salts. The clay
weakens the rock, making it more likely to break,

The only common rock-forming mineral that is not affected is quartz,

which is a chemically resistant mineral. Therefore, quartz and clay are
the two of the most common minerals in sedimentary rocks.
FOUR 3. Hydration - a type of chemical weathering where water reacts chemically
DIFFERENT with the rocks, modifying its chemical structure. It is a process where
mineral structure in the rock forms a weak bond with H2O which causes the
TYPES OF THE mineral grains to expand, creating stress which causes the disintegration of
MOST the rock

IMPORTANT Hydration often produces a new mineral compound that is larger than the
CHEMICAL original compound. The increased size expanse the rock and can lead to
decay
WEATHERING
Example: H20 (water) is added to CaS04 (calcium sulfate) to create CaS04
+ 2H20 calcium sulfate dihydrate) It changes from anhydrite to gypsum.

Hydration can also lead to color changes in the weathered rock surface

The boulder is surrounded by saprolitic soils

formed by the weathered rock. Hydration
processes causes the formation of clays and
contribute to the reddish-tan color of the
saprolite
FOUR
DIFFERENT 4. Oxidation - is the breakdown of rock: by oxygen and water. It occurs
TYPES OF THE when oxygen and water react with iron-rich minerals, weakening the
MOST structure of the mineral.
IMPORTANT
CHEMICAL During oxidation, the minerals in the rock will change colors, taking on a
WEATHERING ‘rusty’, reddish-orange weathered surface appearance.

A freshly broken rock shows differential

chemical weathering, oxidation, The reddish-orange color of this
progressing inward. This piece of sandstone is a result of oxidation
sandstone was found in glacial drift near processes weathering the rock.
Angelica, New York
 Biological weathering of rocks occurs when rocks are
weakened by different biological agents like plants and
BIOLOGICAL WEATHERING
animals. When plant roots grow through rocks, it creates
fracture and cracks that result eventually to rock
breakage.

BIOLOGICAL WEATHERING IS CLASSIFIED INTO TWO TYPES:

1. BIOLOGICAL WEATHERING It is a type of biological weathering that occurs when a force

BY PHYSICAL MEANS or pressure is applied to break rocks apart or degrade the
minerals in them. By increasing the exposed surface area of
rocks, they make it possible for other environmental or
physical factors to speed up their weathering.

Living organisms, such as plants and animals, break down

rocks through physical actions: ex. roots, burrowing, and
using rocks as tools.
1. BIOLOGICAL WEATHERING
BY PHYSICAL MEANS
2. BIOLOGICAL WEATHERING BY It is a type biological weathering where living organisms
CHEMICAL COMPOUNDS contribute through their organic compounds that
contain molecules that acidify and corrode rock
minerals. In simpler terms, some plants and animals also
produces acidic substances that react with the rock and
cause its slow disintegration. Because of such
mechanism, biological weathering is also referred to as
organic weathering.

When the roots of plants grow deeper into the

soil, they tend to create cracks and crevices in
marbles and lime stones by producing certain
acids that can eventually degrade them.
2. BIOLOGICAL WEATHERING BY
CHEMICAL COMPOUNDS

When plants die, their roots (and other parts

as well) are decomposed and are later on
converted to organic matter which produces
carbon dioxide. This carbon dioxide (CO ),
when combined with water (H O), produces
weak carbonic acid which can degrade the
surfaces of rocks and rock particles.