GENERAL GEOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Weathering describes the breaking down or dissolving of rocks and minerals on the surface of the Earth. Water, ice, acids, salts, plants, animals, and changes in temperature are all agents of weathering.

Detailed explanation-2: -Hydration is a process where mineral structure in the rock forms a weak bond with H20 which causes the mineral grains to expand, creating stress which causes the disintegration of the rock. Hydration often produces a new mineral compound that is larger than the original compound.

Detailed explanation-3: -Erosion is the geological process in which earthen materials are worn away and transported by natural forces such as wind or water. A similar process, weathering, breaks down or dissolves rock, but does not involve movement.

Detailed explanation-4: -Water seeps into cracks in the rocks, and, as the temperature drops below freezing, the water expands as ice in the cracks. The expansion exerts tremendous pressure on the surrounding rock and acts like a wedge, making cracks wider. After repeated freezing and thawing of water, the rock breaks apart.