Chemical Weathering

Chemical weathering is the process that transforms the minerals in rocks into new substances.

Water plays a major role in this through a process called hydrolysis, where it reacts with minerals to form new compounds. Water can also dissolve certain minerals in rocks, slowly breaking them down.

Carbon dioxide from the air mixes with water, forming a weak acid called carbonic acid. This acid can wear away statues and monuments made of rocks like limestone. Acid rain caused by pollution contains strong acids and can speed up this process.

Oxygen also plays a role through a process called oxidation. It reacts with iron-rich minerals in rocks and forms reddish iron oxides, similar to rust on metal.

Living things contribute, too. Plant roots release acids that help break down rocks, and animals like earthworms move the soil around, exposing more rock surfaces to weathering.

Chemical weathering can happen faster if the rocks are already broken into smaller pieces due to mechanical weathering. This is because smaller pieces have more surface area for reactions to happen.