There are two main types of weathering:
* Physical weathering: This involves the breakdown of rocks by physical forces, such as:
* Frost wedging: Water seeps into cracks in rocks, freezes, expands, and puts pressure on the rock, eventually causing it to break.
* Abrasion: Rocks are worn down by friction, such as when they are rubbed against each other by wind or water.
* Thermal stress: Rocks expand and contract with changes in temperature, causing them to crack and break.
* Chemical weathering: This involves the breakdown of rocks by chemical reactions, such as:
* Acid rain: Acidic rainwater dissolves certain minerals in rocks.
* Oxidation: Iron in rocks reacts with oxygen, forming rust and weakening the rock.
* Hydrolysis: Water reacts with minerals in rocks, breaking them down.
Both physical and chemical weathering can contribute to the breaking of larger rocks into smaller pieces.
