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

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

From Textbooks • Jan. 1, 2017

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

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

From Textbooks • Jan. 1, 2017

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

From Textbooks • Jan. 1, 2015

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