The key difference between weathering and erosion lies in whether the rock or soil material is moved from its original place:
- Weathering is the process that breaks down or changes rocks, soils, and minerals in their original location, without moving them. It can be physical (mechanical breaking into smaller pieces), chemical (alteration of minerals into new substances), or biological. Weathering happens in situ , meaning the rock remains where it is as it disintegrates or changes chemically
- Erosion involves the removal and transportation of rock particles, soil, or sediments from their original site to another location by natural agents such as water, wind, ice, or gravity. Erosion moves the materials after they have been broken down by weathering or other processes
In summary:
Aspect| Weathering| Erosion
---|---|---
Definition| Breakdown or alteration of rock in place| Removal and transport of
rock/soil particles
Movement| No movement of material| Movement of material by natural forces
Processes involved| Physical, chemical, biological changes| Transport by
water, wind, ice, gravity
Result| Rock disintegrates or chemically changes| Rock/soil particles are
carried away
Thus, weathering weakens and breaks down rock, while erosion carries the broken material away, shaping the landscape over time
