What process describes the gradual breaking down of rocks through chemical or physical means?

The process that describes the gradual breaking down of rocks through chemical or physical means is known as weathering. Weathering involves the alteration of rock material due to various factors such as temperature changes, water, biological activity, and chemical reactions. It can occur through physical means, such as freeze-thaw cycles that fracture rocks, or chemical means, such as the reaction of minerals with water or acids. This process leads to the formation of soil and sediment over time.

In contrast, erosion refers to the movement of weathered materials from one location to another, typically caused by wind, water, or ice. Deposition is the process by which these eroded materials are laid down or deposited in new locations. Transport involves the movement of sediments or particles by natural forces but does not imply any breakdown of the rocks themselves. Weathering is the initial process that sets the stage for erosion, deposition, and transport, making it fundamental to understanding the rock cycle and landscape formation.