Oxidation and Reduction in weathering
In weathering, oxidation means an amalgamation of a mineral with oxygen to form oxides or hydroxides. Oxidation occurs where there is organized access to the atmosphere and oxygenated waters. The minerals most generally involved in this procedure are iron, manganese, sulphur etc. In the procedure of oxidation, rock breakdown occurs due to the trouble caused by the addition of oxygen. The red color of iron upon oxidation turns to brown or yellow. When oxidized minerals are placed in an environment where oxygen is not present, reduction takes place. Such conditions subsist typically below the water table, in areas of stagnant water and waterlogged ground. The red color of iron upon reduction turns to greenish or bluish grey.
These weathering processes are inter-related. Hydration, carbonation, and oxidation go hand in hand and hasten the weathering procedure.
