User:Anaberu

Physical Weathering

In physical weathering, rocks are broken into smaller pieces of the same kind of rock.Water is one cause of physical weathering. Flowing water can carry particles of rock soil and sand. The particles scrape against larger rocks. The rocks gradually become smaller and smaller. The force of waves pounding against rocks on a shore can also cause rocks to break down. Wind can carry small particles that can weather rocks.

Ice can also cause physical weathering. Water can seep into cracks in rocks. If this water freezes, it forms ice. Ice in rocks takes up more space than water does. The ice can make cracks in the rock deeper. The rock may eventually split.

Living things can cause weathering too. Plants can sprout in a crack in the rock. As these plants and their roots get bigger, they can cause the rock to split.