Weathering is the process of breaking down of bigger rocks into smaller mineral particles.
Weathering is of three types, depending upon the means of its occurrence:
(i) Physical weathering: It occurs because of climatic factors such as temperature, wind, rain water, ice and snow.
(ii) Chemical weathering: It occurs through chemical processes such as hydrolysis, hydration, oxidation and reduction.
(iii) Biological weathering: It is carried out by living organisms such as lichens and bryophytes.