chemical weathering The action of a set of chemical processes operating at the atomic and molecular levels to break down and re-form rocks and minerals. The results of chemical weathering are frequently new substances of reduced particle size, greater plasticity, lower density, and increased volume, compared with the original materials. Some of the important processes are solution, hydration, hydrolysis, oxidation, reduction, and carbonation.

chemical weathering The action of a set of chemical processes operating at the atomic and molecular levels to break down and re-form rocks and minerals. The results of chemical weathering are frequently new substances of reduced particle size, greater plasticity, lower density, and increased volume, compared with the original materials. Some of the important processes are solution, hydration, hydrolysis, oxidation, reduction, and carbonation.