Chemical Weathering

    Weathering is the process that breaks rocks down into smaller pieces, eventully creating soil. The above weathering is when chemicals in precipitation and the air decompose the minerals inside the rocks. As seen in the previous photo, there has been a grotto carved out of a cliff, and some of the granite at the bottom is split and chipped. Acid rain and pollution are far more powerful at eroding than sulphuric acid, and create far more iron oxide dust than the average chemicals in precipitation. To get this red dust, the O2 (oxygen) in the air combines with iron in minerals. Frankly, where you can see red dirt, (like PEI), you are seeing rust. If the predicted Global Warming occurs, then the chemical reactions will only speed up due to the temperature. Below is an image of Prince Edward Island's red sands.

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