Weathering

Do you remember the last time you left something outside? After a couple of days in the Sun, air, and rain, an object may appear discolored, and it may show the signs of an impending crack. The surface of the Earth is subject to the effects of the Sun and weather every day. As a result of this exposure, rocks break down into smaller pieces in a process called weathering. Rocks can weather physically or chemically. In both instances, rocks get smaller. Physical weathering occurs when the rocks interact with other materials and break. Chemical weathering occurs when rock experiences a chemical reaction that causes it to break down; at the same time, the rock produces a new mineral. Climate has the biggest impact on the rate of weathering in a region. Other factors like topography, surface area, and mineral properties have an effect on weathering. Once a rock is broken down, it is vulnerable to being moved away in a process called erosion.