Biological Weathering

Biological weathering is the process where living organisms contribute to the breakdown of rocks. Plants, fungi, and bacteria can weaken rocks by growing roots into cracks, causing them to expand and fracture the rock over time. Additionally, some organisms produce acids as part of their natural processes, which chemically dissolve minerals in rocks. This combination of physical forces from roots and chemical effects from biological activity gradually causes rocks to fracture and decompose, shaping the landscape. Biological weathering works alongside physical and chemical weathering, playing a crucial role in Earth's natural cycle of rock decomposition.