7.1: Weathering
- Page ID
- 17542
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Sediments and sedimentary minerals are products of weathering that involves the physical degradation and chemical alteration of rocks at the Earth’s surface. It is caused by chemical reactions involving air, water, salt, or acid, by freezing and thawing, and by plants and animals. During weathering, once solid rock breaks apart and original primary minerals may decompose. The products include smaller pieces of rock, individual mineral grains, dissolved material that is carried away, and sometimes new secondary minerals.