Question

How is erosion different from weathering?

Answer 1

If a rock is broken down but it stays in the same location, this is weathering. If that particle of bit of rock then moves, this is erosion.

Explanation:

The two processes are very closely related. Weathering happens either mechanically or chemically. Chemical weathering involves some sort of chemical change in the rock whereas mechanical weathering is a physical process where the rock is broken down by force. In both cases, the products of weathering don't move.

Erosion is when the products of weathering move. Whether wind blows moves them or water or gravity, once the particles have moved, the process is referred to as erosion.

Check out Socratic's Earth Science sections on weathering and erosion to learn more.