Weathering

rocks · geology · nature's power · change

Rocks crumble slowly. Weathering happens when water, wind, sun, and rain gradually break rocks apart right where they sit. It takes weeks, years, or even millions of years depending on the rock and weather.

Water is a powerful sculptor. Water seeping into tiny cracks in rocks can freeze and expand, pushing the rock apart like a wedge. This cycle of freezing and thawing works like nature's hammer and chisel.

Chemicals dissolve rocks. Rainwater mixes with carbon dioxide in the air to form a weak acid that slowly dissolves certain rocks like limestone. This is why cave systems form underneath the ground.

Living things help break rocks. Plant roots can grow into cracks and push rocks apart, and acids from decaying plants can wear away stone. Even lichen growing on rocks eats away at the surface bit by bit.

Different from erosion. Weathering breaks rocks down in place, but erosion is when wind, water, or ice actually carries those broken pieces away to a new location.