chemical weathering

noun

, Geology.

1. any of the various weathering processes that cause exposed rock to undergo chemical decomposition, changing the chemical and mineralogical composition of the rock:

   Oxygen and acids are agents in chemical weathering.

Word History and Origins

Origin of chemical weathering¹

First recorded in 1870–75

Example Sentences

Natural chemical weathering of bedrock is the source of the rising acidity and metals, but the ultimate driver of the trend is climate change, the report found.

From Science Daily

The structure and dynamics of Earth's crust, therefore, controls the release of CO2 here more strongly than chemical weathering.

From Science Daily

"Importantly, fluctuations in CO2 release from deep rock are much greater than fluctuations in chemical weathering fluxes. This means that the regional geodynamics in the central Apennines influences the carbon cycle most strongly by modulating the release of CO2 from depth, and not by impacting weathering reactions," summarises Erica Erlanger.

From Science Daily

For instance, during chemical weathering rocks can suck up CO2 when certain minerals are attacked by the weak acid found in rainwater.

From Science Daily

When it's warmer, chemical weathering increases in rate and therefore it gets colder and colder till now, chemical weathering isn't working as fast.

From Salon