Final answer:
Weathering is a natural process that breaks down rocks through direct contact with the atmosphere. It is distinct from erosion, which is the transportation of the weathered material. Water can act as a major weathering agent, particularly in the lithosphere.
Step-by-step explanation:
Weathering is a process whereby rocks are broken down by direct contact with the atmosphere. This natural process involves various mechanical and chemical mechanisms. Weathering breaks down existing earth materials like rocks, leading to the creation of soil. While some materials, such as igneous rocks, are fairly resistant to weathering, over time they erode away.
It's important to differentiate between weathering and erosion. Weathering refers to the breakdown or decomposition of rocks, whereas erosion involves the removal or transporting of those broken down materials by agents like water, wind, or ice. For instance, water is an important weathering agent in the lithosphere, helping to break down rocks into fragments, which may then be transported to another location, contributing to the formation of sedimentary rocks. An unconformity in geology is evidence that weathering and erosion have occurred to remove previously existing rock layers.