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Chemical Weathering

By , About.com Guide

Chemical weathering is the heart of weathering. Mechanical weathering is important mainly because it helps chemical weathering happen faster. Chemical weathering includes simple dissolution as well as chemical processes that attack and transform the minerals in bedrock from primary minerals to surface minerals. And organic weathering may include chemical weathering, too.

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Lava nibbled by groundwaterBasalt Weathering RindRounded in the groundChemical Weathering and JointsGritty survivorsDifferential WeatheringHoles in the groundDissolution
Glass prone to frostingHydration Weathering of ObsidianMarble SugaringRusty in a roadcutOxidation in Ultramafic RocksDissolved into rust and acidOxidation of Sulfides
Steam alteration of fresh lavaPalagonite FormationOnion-skin weatheringSpheroidal Weathering of BasaltAffects soft rocks tooSpheroidal Weathering in Mudstone

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