What is weathering and how is it different from erosion?
2 Answers
Both are geological processes that influence the earth but weathering occurs in place and is when rocks/minerals break down due to wind, water, or other natural processes whereas erosion is when wind, water, and gravity move rocks and minerals to other locations. In both instances, the solid material breaks down, but when that breakdown is due to weathering, the materials remain in place whereas in erosion they are displaced.
Here's a really great website I found that explains the differences well: weathering vs. erosion .
Weathering is a slow, continuous process that affects all substances exposed to the atmosphere. It is the breaking down of rocks and other materials on the Earth's surface.
Erosion is the process by which weathered rock and soil particles are moved from one place to another.
