There are two different types of weathering, mechanical and chemical. Mechanical weathering is the process by which rocks break down into smaller pieces by physical means. There are three types of mechanical weathering, ice wedging, abrasion, and organic activity. All of these different types of mechanical weathering have one thing in common, they are all carried out physically.
Chemical weathering is the process by which rocks break down as a result of chemical reactions. There are five different types of chemical weathering, oxidation, hydrolysis, carbonation, organic acids, and acid precipitation.
Though these two types of weathering are very different, they also have similarities. They both disintegrate the Earth's rock and crust. Also, they both break the rock down into smaller pieces than it's original state.
