(a) Rock weathering is defined as the process whereby rocks are broken down into tiny pieces to form the soil.
(b) Three processes involved in rock weathering are: (i) Physical weathering/process (ii) Biological weathering/process (iii) Chemical weathering/process
(c) Agents of rock wethering are;
Water: causes hydration of rocks and minerals.
Gravity: an agent of physical weathering and causes abrasion.
ice: in cold regions, ice formation and subsequent thawing, changes the gap size between rock fragments, loosens them and causes weathering.
acids: acid attack is a common cause of weathering. carbonic acid and sulfuric acid are commonly implicated as agents of chemical weathering.
salts: crystal formation of salts in the gaps and fissures also causes weathering of rocks.
winds: can shape and move loose fragments, thus progressively weathering the rocks.
plants: grow into crack and fissures. The expanding roots, uptake of chemicals and release of chemicals into rocks causes weathering.
animals: burrow animals break down rocks, other animals use other means to cause weathering.
temperature changes: heating and cooling enhances weathering.
pressure changes
gases: such as carbon dioxide, oxygen, sulfur oxide, etc. causes acidification or oxidation of rocks.
microorganisms: break down, acidify and chemically attack soil and rocks and causes weathering.