weathering
UK: ˈweðərɪŋ | US: ˈweðərɪŋ
n. the process of wearing away or breaking down rocks, soil, or other materials by exposure to weather (e.g., wind, rain, temperature changes).
n. (geology) the physical or chemical breakdown of Earth's surface materials.
The word "weathering" combines "weather," derived from Old English weder (air, sky, storm), with the suffix "-ing," which denotes an ongoing action or process. The term reflects the gradual transformation of materials under natural atmospheric forces, capturing the dynamic interaction between Earth's surface and climate over time.
The cliffs show clear signs of weathering after centuries of wind and rain.
Chemical weathering alters the composition of rocks through reactions with water.
Plants accelerate weathering by breaking apart rocks with their roots.
Geologists study weathering to understand landscape evolution.
The statue’s details have faded due to prolonged weathering.