Which term refers to the gradual wearing away of rocks by chemical reactions?

The term that refers to the gradual wearing away of rocks by chemical reactions is weathering. Specifically, this process involves chemical transformations that alter the minerals within rocks, leading to their breakdown. For example, when water interacts with carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, it forms a weak acid that can react with minerals like calcite in limestone, causing it to dissolve over time.

Weathering is a fundamental process in the geological cycle, as it not only shapes landscapes but also contributes to soil formation by breaking down rock materials into smaller particles. This differs from erosion, which involves the movement of weathered materials by agents like water, wind, or ice. Transport refers specifically to the movement of sediments from one place to another, while deposition describes the laying down of sediments in a new location after they have been transported. In contrast, weathering focuses solely on the chemical and physical processes that break down rocks without necessarily moving them from their original location.