Types of Weathering _Approaching – 02
Earth’s rocky crust is mostly covered by a layer of sediment. Where did all these sediments come from? To answer this question, you will need to learn about weathering.
Weathering is any process that breaks rocks into smaller pieces. These smaller pieces are called sediments. The size of sediments can vary. They can be large boulders. They can just as easily be as small as tiny particles of clay.
Ice wedging is caused by the freezing of water. The water seeps into cracks in rocks and freezes. When liquid water turns into ice, it expands. This increase in size pushes against the cracks in the rocks. This causes a larger crack to form. Every time a crack forms, water can seep more deeply into the rock. With every freeze event, the rock is broken up into smaller pieces. Potholes in roadways are evidence of ice wedging. They are very common in the northern states.

Wind can also cause abrasion. Small sediments can be carried by the wind. This windblown sediment can break down existing rocks. In all cases, abrasion, causes rocks to be broken apart or worn down. With every strike, rocks are broken down into smaller and smaller pieces.