While weathering (the breakdown of rocks) is a key process in canyon formation, it's erosion (the transport of weathered material) that actually shapes the canyon.

Here's how it works:

1. Weathering: Rain, wind, ice, and other natural forces break down rocks into smaller pieces (sediment).

2. Erosion: Running water, wind, or glaciers then carry away the weathered sediment, carving out a channel in the landscape. Over time, this channel deepens and widens to form a canyon.

Key takeaway: While weathering weakens the rock, erosion is the primary force that shapes the canyon.