mechanical weathering
[/məˈkænɪkəl ˈweðərɪŋ/]
nounpl: mechanical weathering processes
intemperismo mecânico
1. The process of breaking down rocks and minerals into smaller fragments through physical forces without changing their chemical composition
Mechanical weathering caused by freeze-thaw cycles gradually broke apart the granite cliff.
O intemperismo mecânico causado pelos ciclos de congelamento e descongelamento gradualmente desintegrou a encosta de granito.
2. Physical disintegration of rock material due to temperature changes, wind, water, ice, or abrasion
The boulder was shaped by mechanical weathering from decades of wind and rain erosion.
A rocha foi moldada pelo intemperismo mecânico resultado de décadas de erosão por vento e chuva.
This is a technical geological term used consistently across English-speaking and Portuguese-speaking scientific communities. In Brazil, 'intemperismo mecânico' is the standard terminology taught in geology, geography, and environmental science courses. The concept is particularly relevant in Brazil given its diverse geological formations and tropical climate that experiences significant weathering processes.
Look up more words on Fala2Me
The free English-Portuguese dictionary with real Brazilian accents, NYC slang, conjugator and more
Open Fala2Me →