Weathering: An Introduction to the Scientific Principles

Our landscape is constantly changing, but before the dramatic effects of erosion and mass movement take place, more subtle forces work on the rocks, minerals and soils around us. Weathering is the initial process which exposes the top few layers of the Earth to the potential for change. This book provides an introduction to the scientific principles behind mechanical, chemical and biological weathering. Starting with a consideration of the chemical and physical properties of rocks and water, the authors proceed to an accessible explanation of the weathering processes themselves, concluding with a review of weathering rates and intensities, and a survey of the effects of weathering on the landscape. Assuming little background knowledge, the authors develop ideas from first principles to provide a straightforward introduction to weathering for students of geography, geology and earth and environmental science.

Introduction General principles of bonding and structure in earth materials Application of structures: the structures of silicates and other earth materials Bulk physical properties of rocks Physical properties of water The chemical properties of water Mechanical weathering processes Chemical weathering Biological weathering Intensity and rate of weathering The products of weathering Weathering- controlled landforms