Final answer:
Weathering is the process of rocks and minerals being broken down on the Earth's surface, while erosion is the transportation and deposition of these weathered materials by natural agents. Physical and chemical processes contribute to weathering, while erosion involves the movement of weathered particles by agents like water and wind.
Step-by-step explanation:
Weathering is the process by which rocks and minerals on the Earth's surface are broken down into smaller pieces through physical or chemical means. Physical weathering includes processes like freeze-thaw cycles, where water seeps into cracks in rocks and expands as it freezes, causing the rock to break apart. Chemical weathering involves the reaction of rocks with substances like water, oxygen, or acids, which breaks down the rocks over time.
Erosion is the process by which weathered rock and soil particles are transported and deposited in different locations by natural agents like water, wind, and ice. For example, when a river cuts through layers of rock, it carries away the eroded sediments downstream and deposits them in a new location. In contrast to weathering, erosion involves the movement and displacement of weathered materials.
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