Which one among the following processes is NOT part of chemical weathe

Which one among the following processes is NOT part of chemical weathering ?

[amp_mcq option1=”Solution” option2=”Hydration” option3=”Reduction” option4=”Thawing” correct=”option4″]

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UPSC NDA-2 – 2024

Thawing is the process of ice melting into water. While it is part of the freeze-thaw cycle, which is a significant process of *physical* weathering, thawing itself is not a chemical reaction that alters the composition of the rock.

– Chemical weathering involves the alteration of the chemical composition of rocks and minerals through processes like dissolution, oxidation, reduction, hydrolysis, hydration, and carbonation.
– Solution: Minerals dissolving in water (e.g., salts, limestone in acidic water).
– Hydration: Minerals absorbing water molecules into their structure (e.g., anhydrite to gypsum).
– Reduction: Gaining electrons; often involves changes in oxidation states of elements like iron, common in anaerobic environments.
– Thawing: The physical change of state from solid (ice) to liquid (water). Freeze-thaw weathering occurs because water expands when it freezes in cracks, exerting pressure that widens the cracks. Thawing allows more water to enter, continuing the cycle, but it is the freezing/expansion that causes mechanical breakdown, not a chemical change during thawing.

Physical weathering breaks down rocks into smaller pieces without changing their chemical composition. Other physical weathering processes include abrasion, exfoliation, granular disintegration, and biological activity (like root wedging). Chemical weathering is more effective in warm and humid climates, while physical weathering is prominent in areas with significant temperature fluctuations and frost action.

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