Question

Which are causes of mechanical weathering? (check all that apply)

A. acid rain
B. plant growth
C. animal actions
D. carbon dioxide
E. pressure release

I chose B & E and got the question wrong.

Answer 1

The correct answers are:

B. plant growth;

C. animal actions;

The mechanical weathering is a type of weathering where physical force is included into the breaking up of the rocks. The plants and the animals are both causing this type of weathering with their actions. The plants can cause mechanical weathering with their roots, as they grow and surround a rock, they are able to create such a pressure that they can break the rock apart. Also, as their trunks are getting bigger, if there's rocks right next to them, the pressure from the growing of the trunk will crack the rocks. The animals are able to move the rocks, as well as pushing them, or even deliberately throwing them, so they manage to break up parts of them and cause mechanical weathering.