Here's why:
* Physical weathering is the breakdown of rocks and minerals through mechanical processes. This includes:
* Abrasion: The grinding and scraping of rocks against each other.
* Impact: The force of waves crashing against the shore.
* Freezing and thawing: Water expands when it freezes, putting pressure on rocks and causing them to break apart.
* Ocean waves cause physical weathering through:
* Abrasion: Waves carry sand and pebbles that rub against rocks, gradually wearing them down.
* Impact: The force of waves crashing against cliffs and shorelines can break off chunks of rock.
* Chemical weathering involves the breakdown of rocks through chemical reactions. This includes processes like oxidation, dissolution, and hydrolysis. While ocean water can play a role in chemical weathering (e.g., dissolving certain minerals), the primary action of waves is physical.