weathering
breaking rock into smaller pieces
Weathering refers to the process of breaking down and altering rocks, soils, and other geological materials at or near the surface of the Earth through the effects of weather, water, and biological activity. It can occur through physical, chemical, and biological means.
Physical weathering involves the breakdown of rocks through direct physical forces, such as temperature changes, frost wedging, and abrasion by wind and water. Chemical weathering involves the process of rocks and minerals breaking down through chemical reactions, such as oxidation, hydrolysis, and carbonation. Biological weathering occurs when living organisms, such as plants, bacteria, and animals, contribute to the breakdown of rocks and minerals through their metabolic processes and physical activities.
Weathering can lead to the formation of new minerals, as well as the release of nutrients into the soil. It is an important process for the formation and modification of soils, and plays a crucial role in shaping landscapes and ecosystems.
More Answers:
Unveiling Earth’s History: The Importance of Fossils in Evolution.Chemical Weathering and Its Effects on Geological Formations and the Environment
Physical Weathering: The Mechanical Breakdown of Rocks and Geological Materials