mechanical weathering

American  

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.

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Etymology

Origin of mechanical weathering

First recorded in 1880–85

Compare meaning

How does mechanical-weathering compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• mechanical weathering vs. chemical weathering

Example Sentences

Clastic or detrital sedimentary rocks are made from pieces of bedrock, sediment, derived primarily by mechanical weathering.

From Textbooks • Jan. 1, 2017

However, when precipitation does occur, often in the form of flash floods, a large amount of mechanical weathering can happen quite quickly.

From Textbooks • Jan. 1, 2017

It’s important not to assume that mechanical weathering leads only to clastic sedimentary rocks, while chemical weathering leads only to chemical sedimentary rocks.

From Textbooks • Jan. 1, 2015

The main processes of mechanical weathering include exfoliation, freeze-thaw, salt crystallization, and the effects of plant growth.

From Textbooks • Jan. 1, 2015

Mechanical weathering provides fresh surfaces for attack by chemical processes, and chemical weathering weakens the rock so that it is more susceptible to mechanical weathering.

From Textbooks • Jan. 1, 2015