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

C Horizon: This is substratum and is a zone of mechanical weathering.

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

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

From Textbooks • Jan. 1, 2017

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

From Textbooks • Jan. 1, 2015