Which process describes the breakdown of rocks through chemical, physical, and biological means?

The process that describes the breakdown of rocks through chemical, physical, and biological means is weathering. Weathering involves the breakdown of rocks at or near the Earth's surface, and it can occur through several different mechanisms.

Chemical weathering involves changes in the mineral composition of rocks, often due to reactions with water, acids, and gases in the environment. An example is the dissolution of limestone in mildly acidic rain.

Physical weathering, on the other hand, refers to the mechanical breakdown of rocks without changing their chemical composition. This can occur through processes such as freeze-thaw cycles, where water enters cracks in rocks, freezes, and expands, causing the rock to break apart.

Biological weathering involves the actions of living organisms, such as plants, animals, and microorganisms, that contribute to the breakdown of rocks. For example, roots can grow into cracks in rocks and pry them apart as they expand.

Erosion, deposition, and metamorphism are related processes but are distinct from weathering. Erosion involves the transport of weathered material from one location to another, while deposition refers to the accumulation of sediment in a new location. Metamorphism is a process that alters existing rocks through heat and pressure but does not involve the breakdown of rocks in