Weathering

Physical or mechanical weathering is the breakdown of rocks into smaller pieces, fragments, or grains without much chemical or mineral

Sheeting, exfoliation, or unloading is a physical weathering process. It happens when deeply buried rocks break into concentric slabs or

Salt weathering or salt crystal growth is physical or mechanical weathering. It is caused by the growth, expansion, or hydration

Ice or frost wedging is a mechanical or physical weathering process. It happens when water repeatedly seeps into rock cracks

Insolation or thermal expansion weathering refers to rock breakdown that happens when rocks contract and expand. Some authors call it

Wetting and drying or slaking is an example of mechanical or physical weathering. It occurs when rocks exposed to the