Describe and account for the different types of weathering that effect two types of rock

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Cristina Clark 12A

Describe and account for the different types of weathering that effect two types of rock

Weathering is the atmospheric action on rocks by physical, chemical or biological processes; there is no movement of the rock involved.

Lithology refers to the physical characteristics of a rock, as each rock is different, such as its vulnerability to weathering, its permeability and its structure, they greatly influence the landforms that can be produced by weathering. Carboniferous limestone and granite can show how characteristics affect different rocks, as they are two of the main types of rock that produce distinctive types of landform and scenery. Both granite and carboniferous limestone are vulnerable to weathering, as they have air gaps, which water can penetrate into. Carboniferous limestone (sedimentary) contains horizontal bedding planes, which separates different layers in a sedimentary rock and also vertical joints at right angles to the bedding planes. Whereas granite has cracks which has resulted from high-pressure release or contraction on cooling within it. The subsequent freezing and thawing along these lines of weakness (in both rock types) cause frost shattering.

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Permeability is the rate at which water maybe stored within a rock, allowing the free passage and the interfusion of fluids. The primary permeability depends upon the size, shape, and texture of the rock and the arrangement of its mineral particles. The air spaces, which are the areas between the mineral particles, are called pore spaces, and there size and setting can decide how much water can be absorbed by the rock i.e. large pore spaces allow rapid water movement as there is less resistance. Porosity is lowest in those that are fine-grained, such as granite.    

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