Biological weathering
Topic: Geomorphic Processes: Weathering, Mass Movement, Erosion and Soil Formation · NCERT: Class 11, Ch 5 "Geomorphic Processes"
Meaning
Biological weathering is the breaking or rotting of rock by living things. Plant roots grow into cracks and wedge rocks apart with great force. Earthworms, termites and rodents burrow, which exposes fresh rock surfaces to air and water. Dead and rotting matter releases humic and carbonic acids, and these attack minerals chemically. Humans also disturb and mix the soil by ploughing and by clearing vegetation. So biological weathering works in both physical and chemical ways.
Example
At the Ta Prohm temple in Angkor, Cambodia, the roots of large trees have pushed apart stone blocks and split walls.