Which process involves the breakdown of rocks into smaller pieces?

The process that involves the breakdown of rocks into smaller pieces is weathering. Weathering occurs when rocks are exposed to various environmental factors such as temperature changes, water, wind, and chemical reactions. Over time, these forces fragment and disintegrate the rocks into smaller particles without moving them from their original location.

The breakdown can be physical, where the rocks are mechanically fractured, or chemical, where minerals within the rocks are chemically altered or dissolved. This distinction between the types of weathering is crucial because it forms the basis of soil creation and influences landscapes.

In contrast, erosion refers to the removal and transport of weathered material from one location to another. Folding pertains to the bending of rocks due to tectonic forces, and decomposition typically relates to the breakdown of organic materials, not rocks. Understanding these processes helps clarify the distinction between how rocks change physically and the broader environmental processes at play.