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In this article we are discussing geomorphic processes.
Weathering:
Weathering is an action of elements of weather and climate over Earth materials. It is defined as the mechanical disintegration & chemical decomposition of rocks due to effects of elements of weather & climate.
There are several weathering processes resulting in denudation of rocks. The processes differ from climate to climate. Listed below are three major types of weathering processes:
i) Chemical
ii) Physical or Mechanical
iii) Biological
Chemical Weathering:
a) Interrelated processes like solution, carbonation, hydration, oxidation & reduction act on the rocks to decompose and reduce them to a fine caustic state.
b) These processes denude rocks through oxygen, surface and/or soil water & other acids.
c) Water & air (oxygen & carbon dioxide) along with heat accelerate every chemical reaction disintegrate rocks.
d) Let us discuss types of chemical weathering processes in detail.
Solution:
a) Whenever something is dissolved in water or acids, the water or acid along with the dissolved material is called solution.
b) Water is the universal solvent, on contact with which many solids disintegrate and mix up as suspension in water. Soluble rock-forming minerals like nitrates, sulphates, & potassium are affected by water easily.
c) As a result they type get leached out in monsoon without leaving any residue & accumulate in dry regions.
d) Minerals like calcium carbonate and calcium magnesium bicarbonate that are present in limestones are soluble in water containing carbonic acid (formed when carbon dioxide reacts with water), and are carried away in water as solution.
e) Common salt (sodium chloride) is also a rock-forming mineral that is vulnerable to chemical weathering.
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