Log out Go to App
Go to App

Learning Materials

Features

Discover

Chapter 13: Problem 18

What is meant by the term spheroidal weathering? How does spheroidal weathering occur?

Short Answer

Expert verified
Spheroidal weathering is the process that results in the rounding of rocks due to weathering, wherein water penetrates into cracks in the rock causing it to weaken and become more rounded. This is more prevalent in environments with significant moisture and temperature fluctuations.

Step by step solution

01

Defining Spheroidal Weathering

Spheroidal weathering refers to the process that results in the rounding of rocks due to weathering. The term 'spheroidal' comes from the end-result -- the rocks take on a more spheroid (or rounded) shape after this type of weathering process.
02

Explaining the Process

The process occurs when water penetrates into cracks and fractures within rocks. As the water freezes and thaws, it expands and contracts, causing the rock to weaken and crack further. This creates a greater surface area exposed to weathering processes. Gradually, the corners and edges of the rock undergo more intense weathering than the faces, and the rock becomes rounded.
03

Additional Information

The spheroidal weathering process is more intense in environments with a lot of moisture and significant temperature fluctuations, such as desert environments with dry days and cold nights, or high altitude areas with freezing winters and thawing summers.

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

  • Full Textbook Solutions

    Get detailed explanations and key concepts

  • Unlimited Al creation

    Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...

  • Ads-free access

    To over 500 millions flashcards

  • Money-back guarantee

    We refund you if you fail your exam.

Start your free trial

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with Vaia!

One App. One Place for Learning.

All the tools & learning materials you need for study success - in one app.

Get started for free

Most popular questions from this chapter

Iron minerals in rock are susceptible to which form of chemical weathering? What characteristic color is associated with this type of weathering?

What is hydration? What is hydrolysis? Differentiate between these processes. How do they affect rocks?

What weathering processes produce a granite dome? Describe the sequence of events.

What is the interplay between the resistance of rock structures and differential weathering?

Given all the interacting variables, do you think a landscape ever reaches a stable, old-age condition? Explain.
See all solutions

Recommended explanations on Geography Textbooks

Regenerating Places

Read Explanation

Sustainable Urban Development

Read Explanation

Water Cycle

Read Explanation

Living World

Read Explanation

Global Resource Management

Read Explanation

River Landscapes

Read Explanation
View all explanations

What do you think about this solution?

We value your feedback to improve our textbook solutions.

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.

Sign-up for free