Photo AI
Explain the role of temperature in the process(es) of physical/mechanical weathering. - Leaving Cert Geography - Question 3B - 2022
Question 3B
Explain the role of temperature in the process(es) of physical/mechanical weathering.
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Explain the role of temperature in the process(es) of physical/mechanical weathering. - Leaving Cert Geography - Question 3B - 2022
Step 1
Reference to temperature
Answer
Temperature plays a crucial role in the process of physical or mechanical weathering by causing expansion and contraction in rocks. For instance, during the day, rocks heat up and expand, and at night, they cool down and contract. This cyclical process of heating and cooling induces stress in the rock structure, leading to cracks and eventual fragmentation.
Step 2
Named processes of physical/mechanical weathering
Answer
One significant process influenced by temperature is thermal expansion. When rocks are subjected to high temperatures, the outer layers may expand more than the inner layers, creating stress that may lead to the peeling off of thin layers, a phenomenon known as exfoliation. Additionally, freeze-thaw cycles play a critical role, where water infiltrates cracks in rocks, freezes, and expands when temperatures drop, eventually causing the rock to fracture.
Step 3
Valid information worth 2 marks
Answer
Another aspect is the influence of temperature on the physical properties of minerals within the rocks. For instance, some minerals may become more brittle at lower temperatures, making them more susceptible to physical weathering processes. This brittleness aids in the overall breakdown of rock material over time.