Water - Seepage and Freeze-Thaw Weathering: can seep into cracks, freeze, and expand, causing rocks to break. Over time, repeated freeze-thaw cycles can contribute to the breakdown of rocks. , Wind - Abrasion: can transport sand, dust, and other small particles, which act like natural sandpaper when they collide with rock surfaces. Over time, the constant bombardment of windblown particles can wear away the outer layers of rocks, a process known as abrasion. This abrasive action can gradually smoothen and reshape rock formations., Temperature Changes: - Thermal Expansion and Contraction: Rocks are not uniform in composition, and different minerals within them can expand and contract at different rates in response to temperature fluctuations. When rocks heat up, they expand, and when they cool down, they contract., Plant Root Growth: - The roots of plants, particularly trees and shrubs, can exert significant pressure on rocks. As plants grow, their roots can penetrate cracks and crevices in rocks. As the roots expand, they can wedge open these cracks, causing the rocks to break apart. This process is known as root wedging., Animal Activity: - such as burrowing rodents or creatures that scratch and dig, can contribute to mechanical weathering. Burrowing animals create tunnels in the ground, which can weaken and break apart rocks. Additionally, animals that scratch or dig can physically abrade rock surfaces., Chemicals: - Rainwater and Acidity: Rainwater is naturally slightly acidic due to the dissolution of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere, forming carbonic acid (H2CO3). This weak acid can react with minerals in rocks, especially those containing calcium carbonate (e.g., limestone) or iron-bearing minerals. The chemical reactions between rainwater and these minerals can lead to their dissolution and alteration, causing the rocks to break down over time.,

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