How is weathering defined in geography?

Weathering is defined as the breakdown of rocks and minerals at the Earth's surface. This process occurs through various physical, chemical, and biological mechanisms that lead to the disintegration and alteration of rocks over time, making them more susceptible to erosion and the formation of soil.

Physical weathering, for example, can involve the expansion and contraction of rocks due to temperature changes, while chemical weathering involves reactions between minerals and environmental agents, such as water, acids, or gases in the atmosphere. Biological weathering can occur when plant roots grow into cracks in rocks or when organisms produce acids that help break down mineral structures.

This definition is crucial in understanding various geological processes and landscape formation, as weathering plays a foundational role in the rock cycle. It prepares materials that will eventually contribute to sedimentary rocks and influences soil formation, but it does not directly involve the processes of sedimentary rock formation itself or the cooling of magma to create igneous rocks. Similarly, while erosion can lead to movement of weathered materials, it is distinct from the weathering process itself.