HTML University

Science Dept.

Geology and Soils GEO 100 Notes
Weathering

1. Chemical Weathering
   1. Oxidation
      1. O₂ oxidation: FeS₂ -> Fe₂O₃ + SO₄^2-

   2. Hydration
      1. Fe₂O₃ + H₂O -> FeO, OH

   3. Carbonation
      1. H₂CO₃ + KAlSi₃O₈ -> hydrated Al Silicate + K₂CO₃ + SiO₂

   4. Dissolution

2. Physical Weathering
   1. Freeze and Thaw

   2. Crystal Growth

   3. Thermal Expansion and Contraction

   4. Sheeting

3. Biological Weathering
   1. Root Wedging

   2. Boring

4. Some Terms and Concepts
   1. Importance of Structure, eg. Joints

   2. Bowens Reaction Series

   3. Spheroidal Weathering

   4. Differential Erosion

   5. Exfoliation Dome

5. Sediments
   1. Products of Decay
      1. Ions

      2. Colloids

      3. Clastics

      4. Biologic Decomposition

   2. Type of Sediments
      1. Chemical

      2. Clastics

      3. Biological