Here's a breakdown:
* Weathering: The process of breaking down rocks, soils, and minerals through contact with the Earth's atmosphere, water, and biological organisms. This creates smaller particles.
* Erosion: The process of moving these weathered particles from one location to another.
Erosion can be caused by various forces:
* Water: Rain, rivers, and ocean waves carry sediment.
* Wind: Strong winds can pick up and transport sand, dust, and other small particles.
* Ice: Glaciers can carve out valleys and transport massive amounts of rock and sediment.
* Gravity: Landslides, mudslides, and rockfalls move weathered material downslope.
* Humans: Activities like deforestation, agriculture, and construction can accelerate erosion rates.
The transport of weathered rock particles is a crucial part of the rock cycle, shaping the Earth's surface and creating diverse landforms.