Answer – Mountain weathering is a geological process in which mountains are broken down over time because of physical factors such as temperature and frost as well as chemical reactions within mountain rocks.

Explanation:

 Mountains cover approximately 24% of the Earth’s land surface and undergo a natural phenomenon called weathering. Weathering refers to the breakdown, disintegration, and alteration of rocks, minerals, and other materials on the Earth’s surface. Primarily, there are two types of mountain weathering: physical and chemical.

In physical weathering, mountains are exposed to temperature changes and frost action. This leads to the mechanical breakdown of mountain rocks into smaller fragments without altering their chemical composition. The contraction of rocks due to ice or water also leads to physical weathering.

Chemical weathering, on the other hand, is when rocks and minerals present on the mountain undergo chemical reactions such as dissolution, hydrolysis, and oxidation. These reactions lead to changes in the rock’s composition. Factors such as precipitation, atmospheric gases, and the presence of organic acids in plant materials also bring out these changes.

Both chemical and physical weathering are completely natural. They gradually break down rocks and alter a mountain’s landscape, shaping it over time.

Popular Questions