• Dictionary
  • Word comparison: mechanical weathering vs. chemical weathering

mechanical weathering vs. chemical weathering

mechanical weathering

noun

Geology.
  1. any of the various weathering processes that cause physical disintegration of exposed rock without any change in the chemical composition of the rock:

    Collision between rock surfaces can cause mechanical weathering.

chemical weathering

noun

Geology.
  1. any of the various weathering processes that cause exposed rock to undergo chemical decomposition, changing the chemical and mineralogical composition of the rock:

    Oxygen and acids are agents in chemical weathering.