Weathering and Erosion: Simulating Rock Attack in the Lab

These activities examine the ways in which water can weather rocks. Simulations of erosion by running water, solution, freeze‑thaw and by wind are investigated. Several class laboratory and demonstration activities simulate some of the processes occurring in weathering and erosion. They include a look at the effect of pouring water onto brown sugar to simulate the effect of water on soluble rock, observing the residue left after water samples have evaporated to show that water can dissolve minerals, showing that water expands on freezing by placing a sealed jar of water in the freezer overnight, and inspection of the effect of freezing on a water-soaked sample of porous rock. In addition, an activity simulates the effect of water impact on rocks by pouring water on sand and another uses a hair dryer to simulate wind erosion by sandblasting copper sulfate crystals. Educational levels: Middle school