How Does Wind Cause Weathering?

Weathering occurs when some external force helps to break down rock or other materials on the Earth's surface. This weathering can change either the physical or chemical properties within the rock and over time can alter its appearance.

Chemical Weathering

• Wind can sometimes contribute to chemical weathering by helping to blow water into the rock in a strong storm or simply by exposing the rock to atmospheric gases. When rocks are exposed to oxygen from the wind, it can cause any iron in the rocks to oxidize, as well as react with the rock to form new minerals.

Mechanical Weathering

• Wind can contribute to the mechanical weathering of a rock by blowing water or small particles such as sand against the rock. Mechanical weathering occurs when the rock becomes degraded to due physical forces that help to break the rock into smaller pieces without changing the composition of the rock.

Erosion

• Wind and water are important factors in erosion. Weathering occurs when rock is mechanically or chemically altered but stays in place. Once wind (or water) picks up particles of rock and transports them elsewhere, the process is known as erosion.