Weathering of Rocks
Part II
Dr. Rameshwar Bali
Professor
Department of Geology
University of Lucknow
Lucknow
Disclaimer
The e-content is exclusively meant for academic purposes and for enhancing teaching and learning. Several photographs and
necessary text has been taken from various sources available on internet websites. Any other use for economic/commercial purpose is
strictly prohibited. The users of the content shall not distribute, disseminate or share it with anyone else and its use is restricted to
advancement of individual knowledge. The information provided in this e-content is authentic and best as per my knowledge.
, Chemical weathering
Chemical weathering involves the complex
processes that alter the internal structures of
minerals by removing and/or adding
elements.
• Mineral that crystallized deep underground
from a water and oxygen deficient magma
may eventually be exposed to the surface
conditions, where it can react with the
abundant water, oxygen and carbon dioxide
on the earth’s surface, thereby forming a
new and different mineral.
, • During this transformation, the original
rock decomposes into substances that are
stable in the surface environment.
• Minerals change gradually at the surface
until they come into equilibrium, or
balance, with the surrounding conditions.
• Consequently, the products of chemical
weathering remain essentially unchanged
as long as they remain in an environment
similar to the one in which they formed.
Part II
Dr. Rameshwar Bali
Professor
Department of Geology
University of Lucknow
Lucknow
Disclaimer
The e-content is exclusively meant for academic purposes and for enhancing teaching and learning. Several photographs and
necessary text has been taken from various sources available on internet websites. Any other use for economic/commercial purpose is
strictly prohibited. The users of the content shall not distribute, disseminate or share it with anyone else and its use is restricted to
advancement of individual knowledge. The information provided in this e-content is authentic and best as per my knowledge.
, Chemical weathering
Chemical weathering involves the complex
processes that alter the internal structures of
minerals by removing and/or adding
elements.
• Mineral that crystallized deep underground
from a water and oxygen deficient magma
may eventually be exposed to the surface
conditions, where it can react with the
abundant water, oxygen and carbon dioxide
on the earth’s surface, thereby forming a
new and different mineral.
, • During this transformation, the original
rock decomposes into substances that are
stable in the surface environment.
• Minerals change gradually at the surface
until they come into equilibrium, or
balance, with the surrounding conditions.
• Consequently, the products of chemical
weathering remain essentially unchanged
as long as they remain in an environment
similar to the one in which they formed.
