"The Nature of Weathering" (I. P. V. van der Wateren)

"The Nature of Weathering" by I. P. V. van der Wateren explores how rocks and minerals break down over time due to various natural processes. Weathering can be physical, such as the freeze-thaw cycles that crack rocks, or chemical, where reactions with water and air alter their composition. Biological factors, like plant roots and fungi, also contribute to weathering by physically pushing apart or chemically breaking down materials. This process plays a crucial role in soil formation, landscape change, and nutrient cycling in ecosystems, ultimately shaping our environment and influencing geography and ecology.