2. WEATHERING and EROSION WEATHERING: The processes at or near the Earth’s surface that can cause rocks and minerals to break down. There are two types of WEATHERING: 1. Mechanical Weathering: Mechanical weathering takes place when rocks are broken down without any change in the chemical nature of the rocks. The rocks are essentially torn apart by physical force, rather than by chemical breakdown. 2. Chemical Weathering: Chemical weathering takes place in almost all types of rocks. Smaller rocks are more susceptible, however, because they have a greater percentage of surface area. EROSION: The process of removing Earth materials from their original sites through weathering and transport. There are five types of EROSION: 1.Water 2.Wind 3.Wave 4.Glacier 5.Sink Holes