The disintegration and decomposition of rocks on the surface of the earth.
Rocks on the earth's surface gradually break down and subsequently decompose. This is refered to as weathering. Their breakdown is attributed to temperature changes experienced in an area. These changes cause rock expansion and contraction that lead to it's disintegration (physical break down). On the other hand, surface rock minerals may react with the prevailing atmospheric gases such as oxygen, carbon dioxide, and hydrogen in the presence of water/ moisture and warm/ hot temperatures which lead to their rotting (decomposition). Weathering involves a number of processes/activities such as exfoliation, pressure release, block and granular disintegration, oxidation, hydration, solution, reduction, hydrolysis and others.
