What is wethering?

Weathering is the process by which rocks, minerals, and soil are broken down by exposure to the elements, such as wind, water, and temperature changes. Weathering can be physical or chemical, and results in the disintegration and decomposition of rocks and minerals. Physical weathering includes actions such as freeze-thaw cycles, abrasion, and erosion, while chemical weathering involves reactions between minerals and agents such as water, acid rain, and oxygen. Weathering can occur naturally over extremely long periods of time, or can be accelerated by human activities such as mining and construction. The effects of weathering can be seen in the formation of sedimentary rocks, soil formation, and the erosion of landscapes.