Ways in which Plants Cause Weathering

What is Weathering?

Weathering is the process by which rocks, minerals, and other geological materials are broken down and altered at or near the Earth's surface due to various physical, chemical, and biological mechanisms.

How Plants Cause Weathering

- As plants grow their roots penetrate into rock cracks/ joints causing them to widen and eventually the rocks disintegrates
- Plants absorb minerals from rocks weakening the rocks hence causing disintegration
- When plants rot on rocks, they release acids which react with minerals in the rocks leading rock disintegration.