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

See Examples For:

mechanical weathering

Chemical and mechanical weathering work hand-in-hand via a fundamental concept called surface-area-to-volume ratio.

From Textbooks ● Jan. 1, 2017

Falls are strongly influenced by gravity, mechanical weathering, and water.

From Textbooks ● Jan. 1, 2017

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

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 effects of plants and animals are significant in mechanical weathering.

From Textbooks ● Jan. 1, 2015