Mechanical Weathering by Plants

Weathering is the breakdown of rock into smaller substances is called weathering. It is a geological process occurring on the surface of the earth. Weathering by plants is a mechanical way of weathering. When a seed sprouts in soil collected or formed in a cracked rock and as the plant starts growth its roots increase which widens the crack. With time the roots of the plant break apart the the rock. In the given below picture, we can see the roots of the plants that break apart tough rocks.

Small plants like Moses can also cause mechanical weathering. They also increase small cracks into larger ones. Plants' roots not only widen the crack but as the roots grow in length increase the length of the crack.

Chemical Weathering by Plants

Plants can also cause chemical weathering. As the plants grow they produce and excrete acids and other chemicals. These chemicals react with soil and weaken its bonds making them fragile to weathering. This type of weathering is called chemical weathering because it causes chemical changes in the composition of rocks. When chemical weathering occurs the composition of the rock is changed into a new substance. In some cases, this substance further reacts with other chemicals and once again becomes the cause of weathering.