What is chemical weathering?

Chemical weathering refers to the process in which rocks and minerals undergo chemical reactions that alter their composition and structure. This often occurs when minerals react with water, creating solutions that can dissolve parts of the rock. For instance, when carbon dioxide combines with water, it can form a weak acid that reacts with minerals like limestone or feldspar, leading to their dissolution over time.

Understanding chemical weathering is crucial as it plays a significant role in soil formation and nutrient availability. Unlike physical weathering, which solely breaks down rocks without changing their chemical makeup, chemical weathering can create new minerals and release nutrients that are important for plant growth.