Weathering Processes

Weathering processes refer to the breaking down and alteration of rocks and minerals at the Earth's surface due to environmental factors. This includes physical weathering, where rocks are fractured by temperature changes or freezing and thawing, and chemical weathering, where reactions with water, air, and other substances change the rock’s composition. Biological weathering, caused by plants and microorganisms, plays a role as well. These processes shape landscapes over time, influencing soil formation and the development of features such as valleys and mountains, marking significant events in Earth’s geological history.