Chemical weathering
Chemical weathering is the process by which rocks and minerals break down due to chemical reactions with substances in their environment, such as water, acids, and gases. This can lead to changes in the mineral composition of the rocks. For example, when rainwater, which is slightly acidic, seeps into the ground, it can dissolve minerals like limestone, leading to the gradual wearing away of rock formations. Unlike physical weathering, which breaks rocks into smaller pieces without changing their composition, chemical weathering alters the materials at a molecular level, contributing to soil formation and landscape changes.
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Chemical weathering is a natural process where rocks and minerals break down through chemical reactions, often involving water, air, and acids. Unlike physical weathering, which only changes the size of rocks, chemical weathering alters their chemical structure. For example, when rainwater, which contains dissolved carbon dioxide, reacts with limestone, it can create calcium carbonate, leading to the rock's gradual dissolution. This process contributes to soil formation and landscape changes over time, playing a crucial role in the Earth's natural cycles.