What is the term used for the process of breaking down rocks into smaller fragments?

The process of breaking down rocks into smaller fragments is called weathering. Weathering can occur through various physical, chemical, and biological processes. Physical weathering involves mechanical forces that break rocks apart without changing their chemical composition, while chemical weathering alters the minerals in rocks through chemical reactions, leading to their disintegration. This process is essential for soil formation and influences landscapes over time.

In contrast, erosion refers to the movement of those weathered materials from one location to another, usually by wind, water, or ice. Transport involves the actual movement of eroded materials, while deposition is the process where these materials settle and accumulate in a new location. Weathering is the initial step in breaking down rocks, making it the correct term for this specific process.