What term describes the breaking down of rock by chemical, biological, freeze-thaw, or onion-skin processes?

What term describes the breaking down of rock by chemical, biological, freeze-thaw, or onion-skin processes?

• A. Weathering
• B. Hydrological Cycle
• C. Transportation
• D. Suspension

Answer: (A)

Weathering is the breakdown of rock in place by chemical reactions, biological activity, and physical forces such as freeze-thaw and onion-skin exfoliation. These processes act on rocks where they are, turning them into smaller particles or altered minerals without moving them away. For example, freeze-thaw cracks rocks when water expands as it freezes; onion-skin exfoliation involves outer layers peeling off due to temperature changes; chemical weathering dissolves minerals, and biological weathering results from roots and organisms weakening rock. The other terms describe moving material rather than breaking it down in place—water cycling, transport, and suspension refer to processes of moving rock or sediment rather than weathering.

Weathering is the breakdown of rock in place by chemical reactions, biological activity, and physical forces such as freeze-thaw and onion-skin exfoliation. These processes act on rocks where they are, turning them into smaller particles or altered minerals without moving them away. For example, freeze-thaw cracks rocks when water expands as it freezes; onion-skin exfoliation involves outer layers peeling off due to temperature changes; chemical weathering dissolves minerals, and biological weathering results from roots and organisms weakening rock. The other terms describe moving material rather than breaking it down in place—water cycling, transport, and suspension refer to processes of moving rock or sediment rather than weathering.