Weathering and erosion

• What are the two main processes of denudation?

  Weathering and erosion
• What is the definition of weathering?

  Breaking down of rocks and soil
• What is erosion?

  Transportation of eroded material
• What are the types of weathering?

  • Mechanical weathering
  • Chemical weathering
• What is mechanical weathering?

  Breaking rocks into smaller pieces
• What is an example of mechanical weathering?

  Freeze-thaw action
• Where does freeze-thaw action typically occur?

  High up in mountainous areas
• What happens during freeze-thaw action?

  Water freezes and expands in rock cracks
• What is chemical weathering?

  Breaking down rocks due to chemical reactions
• What is carbonation in chemical weathering?

  Reaction of carbonic acid with rocks
• What forms when rainwater absorbs carbon dioxide?

  Weak carbonic acid
• How does carbonic acid affect limestone?

  It dissolves calcium carbonate in limestone
• Why is limestone considered a permeable rock?

  It allows rainwater to pass through
• What is scree?

  Broken-down rock that accumulates at slopes
• Where can freeze-thaw action be observed in Ireland?

  Upland areas like Croagh Patrick
• What are the effects of carbonation on limestone landscapes?

  • Dissolves calcium carbonate
  • Creates unique limestone features
  • Forms karst landscapes
• What percentage of calcium carbonate does limestone contain?

  80 percent
• What happens to water in rock cracks at night during freeze-thaw action?

  It freezes and expands, putting pressure
• How does freeze-thaw action contribute to rock breakdown over time?

  It widens cracks, causing rock pieces to break
• What is the role of precipitation in freeze-thaw action?

  It provides water that freezes in cracks
• What is the temperature at which freeze-thaw action occurs?

  0 °C
• What is the significance of the unique landscape created by carbonation in Co. Clare?

  It showcases the effects of chemical weathering