Describe the differences between mechanical and chemical weathering processes. a. Weathering processes are continuous at all times on the earth’s surface. Rocks are weathered both through mechanical and chemical processes as rock material changes composition or becomes chemically altered into smaller pieces, ultimately reaching physical and chemical balance. Mechanical weathering, such as frost wedging and exfoliation processes work to physically break down rock and expose larger surface areas which accelerates the physical and chemical reactions brought on as the result of chemical and mechanical weathering. Examples of mechanical weathering include the reaction of atmospheric CO2 and water (carbonic acid), frost wedging and tree roots disrupting curbs and breaking through solid rock. Chemical weathering results in the formation of clay particles. For example, the reaction of carbonic acid with solid granite can completely alter feldspar minerals into fine-grained quartz materials. In fact, chemical weathering ultimately reduces solid rock material into clay particles over time. An example of chemical weathering can be as simple as a rusted nail. b. Weathering processes are continuous at all times on the earth’s surface. Rocks are weathered both through altering the rock’s physical make-up and chemical processes in which rocks chemically break down or become lithified chemically, reaching a balance between its physical and chemical environment. Mechanical weathering, transportation of regolith and unloading work to break down rock and expose uplifted exfoliation domes which accelerates the chemical ionic and mechanical weathering compounds. Examples of mechanical weathering include granular disintegration, expansion and tree roots disrupting curbs and breaking through rock. Chemical weathering results in various positive feedback processes that promote the formation of fine-grained material untimely forming insitu clay residue. For example, the reaction of carbonic acid with solid granite can completely alter minerals into kaolinite clay. In fact, chemical weathering ultimately reduces solid rock forming various soil horizons which depend the factors such as topography, climate, and time. An example of chemical weathering can be as simple as a rusted nail. c. Weathering processes are continuous at all times on the earth’s surface. Rocks are weathered both through mechanical and chemical processes as rock material breaks down or becomes chemically altered, ultimately reaching physical and chemical equilibrium with its surroundings. Mechanical weathering, such as frost wedging and unloading work to physically break down rock and expose larger surface areas which accelerates chemical and mechanical weathering. Examples of mechanical weathering include granular disintegration, expansion of ice breaking rock material and tree roots disrupting curbs and also able to break through solid rock. Chemical weathering results in changing rock material to a complete different chemical compound. For example, the reaction of carbonic acid with solid granite can completely alter orthoclase minerals into kaolinite clay. In fact, chemical weathering ultimately reduces solid rock material into clay particles over time. An example of chemical weathering can be as simple as a rusted nail.