Answer:
2) weathering
Explanation:
The opposite of Lithification is also known as WEATHERING
Weathering can be defined the phenomenon that occurs when rocks are broken down or they begin to wear away or dissolve due to the effects of rain, temperature in extreme form or any other biological process.
The types of weathering that we have are:
a) Physical or Mechanical weathering :
This is the type of weathering that is caused by extreme changes in temperature. Water can also help or aid the Physical weathering process.
Physical weathering is caused by
i)The freezing and melting of any water that enters into the spaces found in rock. As the water freezes the rock tends to expand or increase in size which breaks the rocks.
ii) An extremely hot weather that causes the formation of cracks or holes on the surface of the rock leading to the breaking down of rocks.
b) Chemical weathering
The weathering is caused by rain water. When it rains the rain water mixes or reacts with the minerals found on the surface of the rock, thereby causing them to break down and form secondary minerals such as the clay minerals. Soluble salts are also formed.
It is also important to note that the rain water must be acidic so that chemical weathering can take place.
c) Biological or Organic Weathering
This types of weathering occurs due to the effects of living organisms such as plants, animal or microorganisms on rocks.
The roots of plants during plant growth can tend to dig or burrow through rocks causing them to expand and break apart. Microorganisms found in the soil can secrete certain enzymes or chemicals that can result in the breaking down or wearing away of rocks.
