How And Where Does Physical Weathering Happen?

Weathering refers to the process in which rocks, minerals and soil undergo erosion or corrosion and subsequent breaking down due to the natural effects of the atmosphere. Weathering mostly occurs in regions where temperatures vary vastly; excessive heat and cold. The action of these elements in subsequent phases results in their formations breaking down and crumbling to dust. Weathering is also very common where natural vegetation and tree cover is absent. It very often happens that in areas where traditional forest cover existed and was subsequently cleaned by man for cultivation, erosion by rainfall has occurred.   

There are different types of weathering that can occur including physical weathering, thermal expansion, biotic weathering, salt-crystal growth, pressure release etc.

The most devastating affects of weathering have occurred in places where man has interfered extensively with the natural environment.