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

The usual agents of mechanical weathering are pressure, temperature, freezing/thawing cycle of water, plant or animal activity, and salt evaporation.

From Textbooks • Jan. 1, 2017

Even mechanical weathering is slowed, because of a lack of runoff and even a lack of moisture to perform ice wedging.

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

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

The effects of plants and animals are significant in mechanical weathering.

From Textbooks • Jan. 1, 2015