Geological process
The breakdown of rock in place, by biological, chemical and physical means. It supplies the material that erosion later moves.
2 of 2 claims on this page cite at least one registered source. Counts describe how each statement is known, not how likely it is to be true.
Each claim states how it is known and cites its evidence.
Weathering is the wearing down or breaking of rocks while they are in place.
Evidence support: Supported by the cited evidence 2 sources, multiple sources, independence unknown
Evidence: British Geological Survey n.d. Primary authority; Marsh 2013 Primary authority
Weathering is biological, chemical or physical: burrowing animals and growing roots widen cracks; carbon dioxide dissolved in rainwater makes it slightly acidic and reacts with minerals in the rock; and temperature change, wind, rain and waves break rock apart, notably where water freezing in cracks expands and forces them open.
Evidence support: Supported by the cited evidence 2 sources, multiple sources, independence unknown
Evidence: British Geological Survey n.d. Primary authority; Marsh 2013 Primary authority
Record last updated 2026-09-06. Corrections follow the published corrections policy; superseded claims are retained, never silently edited.