Question

Explain how crystal growth leads to weathering.

Answer 1

1. Rain falls and percolates into the ground carrying with it dissolved minerals.
2. In the dry season ground water is evaporated into the atmosphere.
3. It carries with it the dissolved minerals from the rocks.
4. Minerals accumulate the surface rock pores and cracks as water evaporates into the atmosphere.
5. The accumulating minerals cause stress in the rocks leading to rock breakup.