How Can Salt Break a Rock?

What Crafty Clover says in this video

Intro

Hi there, curious minds! I'm Crafty Clover! Let's discover something amazing. How can salt break a rock?

The Big Idea

Salt can break a rock by growing crystals inside its tiny cracks! Rainwater or groundwater that seeps into rocks carries dissolved salt. When the water dries up, the salt crystals are left behind and push outward.

Salty Water Soaks In

Step one: salty water soaks in. Rainwater or groundwater trickles into tiny holes and cracks in rock. On its way, the water carries dissolved salt.

Water Dries Up

Step two: the water dries up. In the dry desert air, the water evaporates quickly. The salt is left behind, and salt crystals grow in the little holes.

Crystals Push

Step three: the crystals push. As crystals grow, they push outward on the rock, and over many cycles the rock flakes and crumbles. In deserts, this salt weathering helps turn stone into sand.

A Closer Look

Let's take a closer look! First, salty water seeps into the rock. Second, dry air makes the water evaporate. Third, salt crystals grow in the cracks. And last, the rock slowly crumbles. Salt is a tiny rock breaker.

Quick Facts

Quick facts! Salt crystals can wedge apart stone the way ice does. It can take many wet and dry cycles to crack a rock. Old stone buildings near the sea can get salt damage too. Do not taste experiment salt water, and ask a grown-up to help.

Think Like a Scientist

Now, think like a scientist! With a grown-up, dissolve several spoonfuls of salt in warm water. Dip a strip of paper towel, and hang it on a cup rim. Watch crystals grow as it dries. Do not taste it.

Outro

Growing salt crystals can break rock into sand. Science is amazing! Crafty Clover can be found on Amazon Books, Google Bookstore, and Apple Books. Available for purchase or download! Bye for now!