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What causes weathering and erosion?

In: Erosion and Weathering [Edit categories]

Answer:

Atmospheric Erosion

The Sun's heat causes surface rocks to expand and fracture, and moisture can evaporate. Rain dissolves amospheric gases to form acids that combine with minerals in surface layers. Water can also freeze at night or in winter, expanding cracks and carrying away smaller rocks and dust. Wind and water also carry small particles that can impact and erode rocks, and carry away loose soil.

Biological Erosion

Many plants secrete acids in their roots that dissolve the minerals they need. Root structures also enlarge cracks seeking water. Animals crush surface rocks and deposit organic materials that interact with minerals. Related, but not technically erosion, is the manmade removal of minerals and rocks from on and below the Earth.

First answer by ID3521672292. Last edit by ID0000000000. Question popularity: 5 [Recommended].

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Relevant answers:

How do glaciers cause weathering and erosion?
A glacier is nothing more than a frozen river still moving. It might only move an inch or two per year, but it still moves and this ice will erode the ground and rock below it faster and more...
How do floods cause weathering or erosion?
Its just like water erosion.
How can plants cause weathering and erosion?
Plants can break rock to pieces from roots growing in cracks of the rock. Plants can also help preserve landforms by preventing erosion by wind or water.
How does a glacier cause weathering and erosion?
Glaciers are huge chunks of snow and ice most time more than 1000 feet thick. They weigh huge amount and overtime become so condensed that they are harder than the rock they are on top of. They move...