weathering

Breaking down of rocks, soils and minerals as well as artificial materials through contact with the Earth's atmosphere, water, and biota

Weathering is the breaking down of rocks, soils, and minerals as well as wood and artificial materials through contact with water, atmospheric gases, and biological organisms. Weathering occurs in situ, and should not be confused with erosion, which involves the transport of rocks and minerals by agents such as water, ice, snow, wind, waves and gravity.

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