The correct answer is D. All of the above.
Weathering is the process by which rocks and minerals on the Earth’s surface are broken down into smaller pieces. This can happen through physical, chemical, or biological processes.
Physical weathering is the breakdown of rocks and minerals by physical forces, such as water, ice, wind, and gravity. For example, water can freeze and expand, which can cause rocks to break apart. Ice can also melt and flow, which can carry away pieces of rocks and minerals. Wind can also carry away pieces of rocks and minerals. Gravity can cause rocks to fall and break apart.
Chemical weathering is the breakdown of rocks and minerals by chemical reactions. For example, water can react with rocks and minerals to form new minerals. Carbon dioxide in the atmosphere can react with rocks and minerals to form new minerals.
Biological weathering is the breakdown of rocks and minerals by living organisms. For example, plants can grow in cracks in rocks, which can cause the rocks to break apart. Animals can also break down rocks and minerals by eating them or by digging in them.
Weathering can have a significant impact on the Earth’s surface. It can create new landforms, such as mountains and valleys. It can also change the composition of rocks and minerals. Weathering is an important process that helps to shape the Earth’s surface.
Here are some additional details about each of the options:
- Option A: The complete loss of particular atoms or the compounds from the weathered surface. This can happen through physical weathering, such as when water freezes and expands, or through chemical weathering, such as when water reacts with rocks and minerals to form new minerals.
- Option B: The addition of specific atoms or compounds to the weathered surface. This can happen through physical weathering, such as when wind carries away pieces of rocks and minerals, or through chemical weathering, such as when carbon dioxide in the atmosphere reacts with rocks and minerals to form new minerals.
- Option C: A breakdown of one mass in to two or more masses, with no chemical change in the mineral or rock. This can happen through physical weathering, such as when water freezes and expands, or through biological weathering, such as when plants grow in cracks in rocks.
I hope this helps!