○ Only happens to soil rich in iron. Oxygen is a
reactive element. It reacts with rocks through a
process called oxidation. The oxygen interacts with
a substance, like metal, and creates an oxide.
These oxides are generally weaker than the original
compound, so they tend to break apart.
○ The most common form of oxidation weathering is
likely the production of iron oxide from iron-including
minerals such as amphibole, biotite, olivine,
pyroxene, etc. This makes the rock more fragile, so
the weathered region becomes more susceptible to
breakage.
