Weathering, Erosion, and Deposition. Life Sciences Essay

Weathering, Erosion, And Deposition
Name:
Institution:
Course:
Instructor:
Date:
Weathering, Erosion, and Deposition
Weathering, erosion and deposition are mechanical processes that result in the wearing of, movement and sedimentation of earth materials such as rocks, soil, sand and remains of plants and animals (Enzel et al., 2012). Physical and chemical processes result in the breakdown of rocks and dirt into small particles that are easy to move around. The results of weathering, erosion, and deposition can be beneficial or harmful to human beings, plants and animals. However, the processes are always beyond social control and occur naturally. According to Doetterl et al., (2015), weathering, erosion and deposition could be a slow process occurring over a thousand to billions of years, but eventually, the results are remarkable. The results could force humans and animals to relocate, while others could lead to the formation of attractive natural features.
Weathering refers to the dissolving of rocks, soil and minerals on the earth by water, ice, acids, salts, animals and temperature changes (Enzel et al., 2012). The process occurs in one place with little or no movement of residues. Weathering can either be chemical or physical. Mechanical weathering involves the continuous dissolution of rocks and soil through contact with conditions of the atmosphere such as animals, plants, exfoliation, heat, water, ice, salt and pressure (Enzel et al., 2012). On the other hand, chemical weathering involves changes in the molecular building of rocks and soil. The origins of chemical weathering encompass oxidation, hydrolysis, carbonation, hydration and living organisms. For instance, the combination of carbon dioxide produces carbonic acid, which dissolves limestone, causing the formation of caves. The Carlsbad Caverns National Park in New Mexico has over 119 limestone caves from weathering and subsequent erosion.
As illustrated by Von Blanckenburg et al., (2012), erosion is the removal of earth materials such as rock and soil debris and their transportation from one point to another by natural factors such as water or wind. In mos...