GL102 Lecture Notes - Lecture 3: Chemical Reaction, Mafic, Calcite
Document Summary
Internal processes- plate tectonics, mountain building & volcanic activity. All processes contribute to raising the earths surface. Weathering physical breakdown (disintegration- smashing rocks together) and chemical alteration (decomposition) of a rock at or near earths surface. Mass wasting transfer of rock and soil. Erosion part of rock cycle downslope by gravity. Erosion- physical removal of material by wind water or ice. Mechanical breaking rocks into smaller pieces by physical forces, no change in chemical composition. Chemical- chemical transformation of rocks into one or more new compounds. Biologic activity fig 5. 7 beaver valley: weathering from plants/roots, burrowing animals and humans, roots grow, expand, fracture rock forms a pathway for water & chemical infiltration, lichens and mosses also enhance the breakdown of rock surfaces. Breaks down rock components and internal structures of minerals. Alters original material to new minerals or releases them to surrounding environment.
