chemical weathering

views updated May 08 2018

chemical weathering The action of a set of chemical processes operating at the atomic and molecular levels to break down and re-form rocks and minerals. The results of chemical weathering are frequently new substances of reduced particle size, greater plasticity, lower density, and increased volume, compared with the original materials. Some of the important processes are solution, hydration, hydrolysis, oxidation, reduction, and carbonation.

chemical weathering

views updated Jun 27 2018

chemical weathering The action of a set of chemical processes operating at the atomic and molecular levels to break down and re-form rocks and minerals. The results of chemical weathering are frequently new substances of reduced particle size, greater plasticity, lower density, and increased volume, compared with the original materials. Some of the important processes are solution, hydration, hydrolysis, oxidation, reduction, and carbonation.

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Chemical weathering

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