What is involved in weathering? seafloor spreading volcanoes mountain building water

Weathering is the natural process where rocks and minerals are broken down into smaller particles due to exposure to various elements, primarily water, air, and biological activity. This can happen through physical processes like freeze-thaw cycles, or chemical processes, where the minerals in the rock react with water or other chemicals in the environment. Essentially, it's like nature's way of recycling rocks! Interestingly, weathering is an essential part of the rock cycle and plays a crucial role in soil formation, which in turn supports plant life. Without weathering, we wouldn't have the nutrient-rich soils that sustain agriculture and ecosystems. So, next time you see a crumbly rock, remember, it’s just nature doing its job!