Mechanical Weathering

Mechanical weathering is the process of breaking down rocks into smaller pieces without changing their chemical composition. This occurs through physical forces, such as freeze-thaw cycles, where water seeps into cracks, freezes, and expands, causing the rock to fracture. Other factors include temperature changes, which can cause rocks to expand and contract, and the action of wind, water, or ice mechanically wear down surfaces. Over time, these processes create soil and sediment, shaping landscapes without altering the mineral content of the original rocks.