2. This is an example of erosion this was a whole ground and there was no cracks. Then I am guessing that a storm came and cracked open the ground. “ “An actively eroding rill on an intensively-farmed field in eastern Germany In geomorphology and geology, erosion is the action of exogenic processes (such as water flow or wind) which remove soil and rock from one location on the Earth's crust, then transport it to another location where it is deposited.”

3.  “In geomorphology and geology, erosion is the action of exogenic processes (such as water flow or wind) which remove soil and rock from one location on the Earth's crust, then transport it to another location where it is deposited. Eroded sediment may be transported just a few millimetres, or for thousands of kilometres.geomorphologygeologyexogenicwater flowwindsoilrockEarth's crusttransportdepositedsediment  While erosion is a natural process, human activities have increased by 10-40 times the rate at which erosion is occurring globally. Excessive (or accelerated) erosion causes both 'on-site' and 'off-site' problems. On-site impacts include decreases in agricultural productivity and (on natural landscapes) ecological collapse, both because of loss of the nutrient-rich upper soil layers. In some cases, the eventual end result isdesertification. Off-site effects include sedimentation of waterways and eutrophication of water bodies, as well as sediment-related damage to roads and houses. Water and wind erosion are now the two primary causes of land degradation; combined, they are responsible for about 84% of the global extent of degraded land, making excessive erosion one of the most significant environmental problems world-wide. [1][2]agricultural productivityecological collapsesoil layersdesertificationsedimentation of waterwayseutrophicationland degradationenvironmental problems [1][2]  Intensive agriculture, deforestation, roads, anthropogenic climate change and urban sprawl are amongst the most significant human activities in regard to their effect on stimulating erosion. However, there are many prevention and remediation practices that can curtail or limit erosion of vulnerable soils.” Intensive agriculturedeforestationroadsclimate changeurban sprawlprevention and remediation  From Wikipedia on Erosion

4.  “Two important classifications of weathering processes exist – physical and chemical weathering; each sometimes involves a biological component. Mechanical or physical weathering involves the breakdown of rocks and soils through direct contact with atmospheric conditions, such as heat, water, ice and pressure. The second classification, chemical weathering, involves the direct effect of atmospheric chemicals or biologically produced chemicals also known as biological weathering in the breakdown of rocks, soils and minerals. While physical weathering is accentuated in very cold or very dry environments, chemical reactions are most intense where the climate is wet and hot. However, both types of weathering occur together, and each tends to accelerate the other. For example, physical abrasion (rubbing together) decreases the size of particles and therefore increases their surface area, making them more susceptible to rapid chemical reactions. The various agents act in concert to convert primary minerals.”  From Wikipedia on Weathering

5. National Geographic has tones of information on weathering. They also have words and definitions that make sense to kids, I should know I am one. Weathering is when you change the texture of something by long exposure to air. weathering - National Geographic Educationweathering - National Geographic Education

6. Here is a picture that should explain everything else about weathering and erosion.