Hydration, oxidation, carbonisation, hydrolysis and dissolution are forms of chemical weathering.
Chemical weathering is the process in which minerals in rocks are altered through chemical reactions. Here are five sources of chemical weathering:
Water: Water is a major source of chemical weathering. It can react with minerals in rocks, causing them to dissolve or undergo chemical changes.
Oxygen: Oxygen in the air can oxidize minerals, leading to chemical weathering. This is particularly true for minerals containing iron.
Carbon dioxide: Carbon dioxide from the atmosphere can dissolve in water to form weak carbonic acid. This acid can react with minerals, causing them to break down.
Acids: Acids, such as sulfuric acid from acid rain or organic acids from decaying plant material, can chemically weather rocks.
Temperature: Extreme temperature changes can cause rocks to expand and contract, leading to physical weathering. However, temperature changes can also enhance chemical weathering by increasing the rate of chemical reactions.
Chemical weathering is influenced by various sources including water, oxygen, carbon dioxide, organic acids, and acid rain. These elements act through reactions that alter or dissolve minerals in rocks, leading to their breakdown. Understanding these sources helps in comprehending how landscapes evolve over time.
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