How does weathering change earth's surface?

Discover how rocks change! Learn about weathering agents and their impact on Earth's surface.

After you read, match the names of weathering agents with a brief explanation. Temperature Changes The changes between hot and cold air can cause a rock to expand and contract, resulting in cracks or crumbling rocks over time. Animal Action Burrowing animals cause more rock to be exposed, increasing the weathering process. Plant Action Increasing pressures from root growth of plants can cause rock to break apart. Wind Abrasion from small particles carried in the air can blast away at surfaces causing them to slowly wear away. Water Abrasion from tumbling rocks hitting against each other in rivers and streams causes rock to become rounded and smooth. Gravity Falling rocks hitting against other rocks down below, causes larger pieces to break apart. Fill in the blank with the term that best completes the following sentences. Acid precipitation is a cause of chemicalweathering.The gradual wearing away or breaking down of rocks is a type of mechanical weathering.The mechanical breakdown of rocks by the action of other rocks and sand particles is called abrasion. Physical vs Chemical Weathering Sort each into the proper category. Physical Weathering plant root growth abrasion by gravity wind movements temperature changes Chemical Weathering carbon dioxide oxygen acid rain