Mechanical Weathering
When mechanical weathering occurs, there is no new substance that is formed. The rock gets smaller. Two examples of mechanical weathering are rocks being broken into smaller pieces by tree roots, and rock broken into smaller pieces due to freezing and thawing of water. |
Root WedgingJoint in granite widened by growth of root. Tree is an upland juniper. Sierra Nevada, Fresno County, California.
Photo Courtesy of U.S. Geological Survey ID. Gilbert, G.K. 2271 ggk02271 Ice weging.
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