chemical weathering

American  

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.

---

Etymology

Origin of chemical weathering

First recorded in 1870–75

Compare meaning

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

• mechanical weathering vs. chemical weathering

Example Sentences

Broz explained that on Earth, kaolinite is most commonly found in tropical environments such as rainforests, where heavy rainfall drives intense chemical weathering.

From Science Daily • Jan. 27, 2026

For instance, during chemical weathering rocks can suck up CO2 when certain minerals are attacked by the weak acid found in rainwater.

From Science Daily • Oct. 4, 2023

When it's warmer, chemical weathering increases in rate and therefore it gets colder and colder till now, chemical weathering isn't working as fast.

From Salon • Dec. 19, 2022

Some minerals, like quartz, are virtually unaffected by chemical weathering, while others, like feldspar, are easily altered.

From Textbooks • Jan. 1, 2015

Soil forms through accumulation and decay of organic matter and through the mechanical and chemical weathering processes described above.

From Textbooks • Jan. 1, 2015