animals cause ___________________ weathering by burrowing in and moving underground soil around.
The type of weathering you are referring to is called bioturbation. Bioturbation is the process in which animals, such as burrowing animals, contribute to the mixing and moving of soil and sediments in the earth's crust. This activity can have an impact on the weathering of rocks and minerals in the underground.
To get a deeper understanding of this topic, you can follow these steps:
1. Research the concept of bioturbation: Start by understanding what bioturbation means and its role in the natural environment. Look for reliable sources such as scientific journals, textbooks, or reputable websites that explain the concept in detail.
2. Focus on burrowing animals: Learn about the specific animals that contribute to bioturbation through burrowing. Some examples include earthworms, ants, termites, and gophers. Explore how their digging and movement activities affect the soil and surrounding materials.
3. Investigate the impact on weathering: Once you have a good grasp of bioturbation and the animals involved, delve into how this process influences weathering. The movement of soils and sediments caused by burrowing animals can expose fresh surfaces of rocks and minerals, making them more susceptible to weathering agents like water, wind, and chemical reactions.
4. Explore specific examples: Look for case studies or specific examples where bioturbation has been observed. This could include research conducted in various ecological settings like forests, grasslands, or wetlands, where different animals are present and contribute to soil mixing and weathering.
By following these steps, you will gain a comprehensive understanding of how animals cause weathering through their burrowing and soil-moving activities.