Definition of spheroidal weathering

A form of chemical weathering in which concentric or spherical shells of decayed rock (ranging in diameter from 2 cm to 2 m) are successively loosened and separated from a block of rock by water penetrating the bounding joints or other fractures and attacking the block from all sides. It is similar to the larger-scale exfoliation produced usually by mechanical weathering.

Synonym of: onion-skin weathering, concentric weathering, spherical weathering

See Also: spheroidal parting

Compare with: exfoliation