Erosion Processes & Landforms
Rock Weathering - Solar Energy - (Exogenic)
Chemical Rx & hydrothermal
Ground h2o 10-20 km below surface
(Weathering & solution)
Disintegration vs. Decomposition
Exfoliation Domes - Sheet Erosion
Rock mass strength - (Diamond - H 10 vs. Talc - HI)
Rosen's Law - fragments inverse to size
Rock fracture - Pressure release & expansion
Thermal contractions
Crystal growth
Sedimentary rock - coal
Igneous - granite
(Sheeting) (Mineral differences)
Quarry Rock Bursts
Continuous Joints vs. Short
Thermal expansion
Volcanic Steam (surface/depth/color/fire)
Salt & Crystal Growth - Iron oxide / salt precipitation
Rock salt - Salt Hydration
Aluminum in desert soils
Gypsum is result of acid rain reaction
Tafoni - Weathering pits of desert - near coasts - Rain/dew/fog
- Namib Desert, South West Africa
Above spray zone on coast
Frost wedge (H2o) expands 9% (permafrost)
Biodegradation - mineral root/rock interaction
Physical (6x) greater than chemical oxidation of mineral/weathering
Carbonation - Rx with C02
Hydolysis - h20 chem rx
Hydration - add h20
Chelation and exchange- oxygen in blood.
Mineral to Organic compounds
Dissolution - Congruent if components all soluable
Incongruent if all components are not in solution.
Oxidation- Pyrite FeS2 (fools gold) (yellow)