Weathering - GCSE Geography Definition

What is weathering?

In GCSE geography, weathering is generally defined as the breaking down of rocks and minerals at the Earth's surface through contact with the atmosphere, water, and biological organisms. Unlike erosion, weathering doesn't involve the movement of the material, it occurs in situ. 

Rivers and coasts

At rivers and coasts, the types of weathering include:

• Mechanical weathering, which physically breaks up the rock. Examples of this included freeze-thaw weathering and at the coast salt weathering.

• Chemical weathering, which occurs when the rocks are broken down by a chemical process.

• Biological weathering, when rocks are worn away by the actions of plants and animals.

At the coast, weathering processes are sub-aerial. This means that they are not linked to the action of the sea. Weathering weakens the cliffs and makes them vulnerable to erosion. 

Glacial landscapes

The main type of weathering occurring in glacial landscapes is freeze-thaw due to the very low temperatures.

Over time, weathering helps to prepare materials for transportation by erosion.

Weathering Revision Resources to Ace Your Exams

Use the Save My Exams coastal landscape flashcards and exam questions to revise the process of weathering and related processes. 

Explore GCSE Geography Revision Resources