Here's why:
* Weathering is the breakdown of rocks, soil, and minerals through direct contact with the Earth's atmosphere, water, and biological organisms.
* Internal forces like tectonic plate movement, volcanic activity, and earthquakes can cause stress and fracturing within rocks.
* External forces like wind, rain, ice, and plant roots can physically and chemically break down rocks over time.
Therefore, weathering is the overarching term encompassing both internal and external forces that alter rocks.