Weathering is the process that breaks down rocks and minerals at the Earth's surface. It occurs due to various factors, including temperature changes, water, ice, and biological activity. Over time, these elements cause rocks to fracture, crumble, and change in composition, leading to the formation of soil and sediment. There are two main types of weathering: mechanical and chemical. Mechanical weathering involves the physical breakdown of rocks without changing their chemical structure, often caused by freeze-thaw cycles or abrasion. In contrast, chemical weathering alters the minerals within rocks through chemical reactions, such as when water interacts with minerals, leading to their dissolution or transformation.