Final answer:
Weathering refers to the breaking down of rocks, while erosion involves the transport of weathered materials. Both processes shape the Earth's surface.
Step-by-step explanation:
Weathering and erosion are two distinct processes that shape the Earth's surface. Weathering refers to the breaking down of rocks and minerals into smaller pieces by natural elements. It can occur through physical (such as temperature changes or freezing) or chemical (such as acid rain) means.
Erosion, on the other hand, involves the transport of weathered materials from one place to another. This can happen through wind, water, ice, or gravity. Erosion can carry away the fragmented rocks and deposit them in new locations, changing the physical landscape over time.
For example, when rainwater falls on a mountain, it can seep into tiny cracks in the rocks. During freezing temperatures, the trapped water expands, causing the cracks to widen. This is an example of weathering. As the water flows downhill, it carries away the fragmented rocks, gradually shaping the mountain into a different form. This is an example of erosion.
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