Weathering describes the breaking down or dissolving of rocks and minerals on the surface of the Earth. Water, ice, acids, salts, plants, animals, and temperature changes are all agents of weathering. Once a rock has been broken down, a process called erosion transports the bits of rock and mineral away.

Weathering:
Weathering is the process by which rocks and minerals on the Earth's surface break down and decay over time. It is a natural phenomenon that occurs due to various factors such as temperature changes, chemical reactions, and physical forces. The process of weathering plays a crucial role in the formation of soil and the shaping of landscapes.

Temperature Changes:
One of the factors that contribute to weathering is temperature change. When rocks are exposed to extreme temperatures, they expand and contract. This expansion and contraction cause stress on the rock's surface, leading to the formation of cracks and fractures. Over time, these cracks and fractures become more pronounced and can cause the rock to break apart.

Decay of Exposed Rock:
As the exposed rock undergoes weathering, it begins to decay. The decay of rock occurs through several processes, including physical weathering, chemical weathering, and biological weathering.

1. Physical Weathering: Physical weathering is the breakdown of rocks into smaller pieces without changing their chemical composition. Temperature changes play a significant role in physical weathering. When rocks are exposed to high temperatures during the day and low temperatures at night, the constant expansion and contraction weaken the rock's structure, causing it to break apart.

2. Chemical Weathering: Chemical weathering occurs when rocks react with substances in the environment, causing them to change composition. Temperature changes can accelerate chemical reactions, leading to the decay of rocks. For example, when water seeps into cracks in rocks and freezes, it expands, exerting pressure on the rock and causing it to break down.

3. Biological Weathering: Biological weathering is the breakdown of rocks by living organisms. Temperature changes can indirectly contribute to biological weathering by affecting the growth and activity of organisms. For instance, plants can cause weathering by growing into cracks in rocks. As the plant roots expand, they exert pressure on the rock, leading to its decay.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, the process described in the question is called weathering. It involves the decay and breakdown of rocks due to temperature changes. Weathering is a natural and ongoing process that shapes the Earth's landscape and plays a vital role in the formation of soil.

Weathering