What are the main types of weathering processes that contribute to the breakdown and alteration of rocks and minerals on Earth's surface, and how do physical weathering (mechanical weathering) and chemical weathering (dissolution, oxidation, hydrolysis) mechanisms interact to produce soil, sediment, and regolith over geological time scales?

Weathering processes contribute to the breakdown and alteration of rocks and minerals on Earth’s surface, leading to the formation of soil, sediment, and regolith. Physical weathering, also known as mechanical weathering, involves the physical breakdown of rocks into smaller fragments without changing their chemical composition. This can occur through processes such as frost wedging, thermal expansion, abrasion, and root wedging. Chemical weathering involves the alteration of rocks and minerals through chemical reactions with water, atmospheric gases, and biological agents. Common mechanisms of chemical weathering include dissolution, oxidation, hydrolysis, and hydration. These processes can lead to the breakdown of minerals, the formation of new minerals, and the release of ions into solution, ultimately contributing to the formation of soil and sediment over geological time scales.