Weathering is the process of breaking down of bigger rocks into smaller mineral particles.

Weathering is of three types, depending upon the means of its occurrence:

(i) Physical weathering: It occurs because of climatic factors such as temperature, wind, rain water, ice and snow.

(ii) Chemical weathering: It occurs through chemical processes such as hydrolysis, hydration, oxidation and reduction.

(iii) Biological weathering: It is carried out by living organisms such as lichens and bryophytes.