Most prominent in hot deserts. Biological activity Plants, burrowing animals, etc. Chemical weathering Rock chemically decomposes into materials that are stable in surface environments. The work of naturally occurring acids. HCO 3 - Dissolution Mineral attacked by polar molecules or weak acids.
Ions go into solution.
Oxidation Minerals combine with oxygen to form oxides. Water speeds the oxidation reactions. Often seen as a staining or metallic sheen on the surfaces of rocks with these minerals. Hydrolysis Mineral reacts with water or stronger acids such as carbonic acid. Most silicates chemically weather by the process of hydrolysis.