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chemical weathering

Primary Information
Secondary Information

Definition

Chemical weathering is when rocks break down because of chemicals in the water.

For example, when water gets into cracks in rocks, it can dissolve some of the minerals in the rocks. This makes the rocks weaker and more likely to break apart.

How can the word be used?

The breakdown of rocks and minerals by physical, chemical, or biological processes.

chemical weathering

Different forms of the word

Noun:

Singular: chemical weathering.

Plural: chemical weatherings.

Adjective:

Chemical weathering: relating to the breakdown of rocks and minerals by chemical reactions.

Verb:

Chemically weather: to break down rocks and minerals by chemical reactions.

Etymology

The word "chemical weathering" comes from the words "chemical" and "weathering". The word "chemical" comes from the Greek word "khēmikós", which means "of or relating to alchemy". Alchemy was a medieval practice that attempted to transform base metals into gold. The word "weathering" comes from the Old English word "weðrian", which means "to become exposed to the weather".

Question

What is the evidence of chemical weathering?