Weathering refers to the process that alters the forms of shapes of rocks. Weathering can be of three types: physical weathering, chemical weathering and biological weathering. By virtue of weathering, the rocks or mineral are broken down into smaller sized particles. Erosion is the process which causes the rocks to move from one place to another by the action of agents like wind, rivers and glaciers.
When the rock particle loosened by the weathering processes begins to make its move, it is known as erosion. Usually the movement is downward due to gravity. Mass wasting is another name for erosion. Debris coming down the mountain, slumps and rock falls with the help of flowing agents like wind or ice are all examples of mass wasting or erosion. In a nutshell, if a rock or mineral is decomposed, disintegrated or loosened by chemical or mechanical processes, but stays where it is, it is called weathering. However the transport or moving of the weathered particle is known as erosion.
When the rock particle loosened by the weathering processes begins to make its move, it is known as erosion. Usually the movement is downward due to gravity. Mass wasting is another name for erosion. Debris coming down the mountain, slumps and rock falls with the help of flowing agents like wind or ice are all examples of mass wasting or erosion. In a nutshell, if a rock or mineral is decomposed, disintegrated or loosened by chemical or mechanical processes, but stays where it is, it is called weathering. However the transport or moving of the weathered particle is known as erosion.
