Significance of Weathering

Weathering processes are geologic processes that break down rocks, minerals and soils into smaller fragments. Weathering is the process in the cycle of erosion or ‘spreading’ of sediments or rocks. It is the opposite of deposition with respect to solid–liquid equilibrium.

Weathering is most commonly driven by physical abrasion, chemical dissolution, acid dissolution, biological activity, temperature fluctuations, ice thrusting, impact cratering, ionizing radiation, and high energy particle bombardment.

Biomes and bio- diversity is basically a result of forests (vegetation) and forests depend upon the depth of weathering mantles.

Erosion cannot be significant if the rocks are not weathered. That means, weathering aids mass wasting, erosion and reduction of relief and changes in landforms are a consequence of erosion.

Weathering of rocks and deposits helps in the enrichment and concentrations of certain valuable ores of iron, manganese, aluminium, copper etc., which are of great importance for the national economy. Weathering is an important process in the formation of soils.