Where is biological weathering

People can even cause biological weathering just by walking. Over time, paths in the countryside become damaged because of all the boots and shoes wearing them away. Biological weathering Weathering is the breaking down or wearing away of rocks where they are. Biological weathering is the weakening and subsequent disintegration of rock by plants, animals and microbes. Growing plant roots can exert stress or pressure on rock. Although the process is physical, the pressure is exerted by a biological process i.

Physical weathering is caused by mechanical forces, without any change to the makeup of the rock. For example, water can freeze inside small holes in rock, causing the rock to split and crack.

Chemical weathering is caused by reactions among minerals in the rock and outside chemicals. Perhaps the best-known type of chemical weathering is acid rain, precipitation that contains acids that corrode the surface of rock. Biological weathering only refers to weathering caused by organisms -- animals, plants, fungi and microorganisms such as bacteria.

While certain forms of biological weathering, such as the breaking of rock by tree roots, are sometimes categorized as either physical or chemical, biological weathering can be either physical or chemical.

Biological weathering can work hand in hand with physical weathering by weakening rock or exposing it to the forces of physical or chemical weathering. You've probably seen biological weathering in action if you've ever seen a sidewalk that's cracked by a tree root. The roots of trees, grasses and other plants can grow into small spaces and gaps in rock. When these roots grow, they exert pressure on the rock around them, causing the gaps to widen or even crack.

Plant roots can also weather rock through chemical processes. Animal Cells Prokaryotic Cells Vs. Eukaryotic Cells Amphibians Vs. Reptiles Anatomy Vs. Physiology Diffusion vs. Osmosis Mitosis Vs. Meiosis Chromosome Vs. Bio Explorer. Table of Contents What is Biological Weathering? Formation of Nutrient-Rich Soil 2. Creation of Sediments 3. Erosion of Soil 2. Mass Wasting 3. Gradual Break Down. Suggested Reading: Carbon Cycle Steps.

Key References. Accessed November 11, Accessed November 22, Accessed November 23,