The process by which rocks are broken down is known as weathering. Weathering involves both physical processes, such as freeze-thaw cycles and abrasion, and chemical processes, where rocks undergo alterations due to reactions with water, acids, and other agents. This breakdown can lead to the formation of smaller rock fragments and soil over time, which contribute to landscape shaping and nutrient cycling in ecosystems. Understanding weathering is crucial for studying geomorphology and the interactions between geology and environmental processes.