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Home > Processes
> Weathering and Erosion
Weathering
Rocks on the surface of the Earth are attacked by weather, which breaks them down. What is this process called? It's actually called weathering, for once a name in science that really makes sense! Rocks are exposed to air, moisture, and even living things that cause them to break down into sediment (loose particles). This process takes place near or at the surface of the Earth. One special thing that you need to remember about weathering is that it only covers breaking down the rocks, not moving the material it loosens from the rocks (for more on moving this material, see erosion).
There are two types of weathering: mechanical and chemical. Mechanical weathering is simply breaking the rock down into smaller fragments. This process forms detrital sedimentary rocks. For some activities on mechanical weathering, click here.
Chemical weathering occurs when chemical reactions alter the composition of a rock. The chemical sediment that forms from this type of erosion forms chemical sedimentary rocks.
Erosion
Erosion is the process
during which the sediment that was loosened by weathering is transported
elsewhere and deposited. Sediment can be transported by wind, water, ice
or gravity. For an activity on erosion, click here.
Other Processes:
The Rock Cycle Web Site
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Webmasters: Chris
Lucas and Kate Seigfried
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This page was last updated on December 4, 2000
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