What happens to the minerals in rocks as a result of chemical weathering?
During chemical weathering, minerals in rocks can undergo a process of decomposition and transformation. This occurs as water and atmospheric gases react with the minerals, causing them to dissolve or alter their chemical composition. For example, minerals rich in iron can oxidize and form rust, while silicate minerals can break down and release their constituent elements. Ultimately, this can lead to the formation of new minerals and the release of dissolved ions into water streams.