wearing down rock by the grounding of other rocks or sand is called?
its called weathering - we just did it in science. you get 3 types:
biological, physical and chemical weathering.
The process of wearing down rocks by the grinding action of other rocks or sand is called mechanical weathering. It involves the physical breakdown of rocks into smaller fragments without changing their chemical composition. Mechanical weathering can occur through several processes, including abrasion, freeze-thaw cycles, and pressure release.
To further understand this concept, let's look at each process:
1. Abrasion: This occurs when rocks and particles rub or collide with each other. For example, river rocks may collide and rub against each other due to the flowing water, causing them to become smoother and rounder over time.
2. Freeze-thaw cycles: In regions with freezing temperatures, water can seep into cracks and crevices in rocks. When the water freezes, it expands and exerts pressure on the surrounding rock, widening the cracks. As this process repeats, it can eventually lead to the fracturing and breakdown of the rock.
3. Pressure release: Igneous rocks, formed deep within the Earth's crust, can undergo a process called exfoliation. Over time, as the overlying layers of rock erode away, the pressure on the underlying rocks decreases. This release of pressure can cause the outer layers of the rock to peel off or flake, exposing fresh, unweathered surfaces.
So, to answer your question, the wearing down of rock by the grinding action of other rocks or sand is called mechanical weathering. This process occurs through various mechanisms such as abrasion, freeze-thaw cycles, and pressure release.