According to the CSEC Syllabus, the specific objectives related to Volcanoes are as follows:

1. Define weathering.

2. Explain the processes of weathering as specified in the content.

As such, we will follow these objectives for this unit.

Types of Weathering

There are three types of weathering and each has their own various processes by which they operate. The types of weathering are as follows:

• Physical Weathering - This type of weathering involves rocks breaking apart but without any chemical change taking place in the rock's composition.

• Chemical Weathering - This weathering type allows for a chemical change to take place that causes rocks to dissolve or decay.

• Biotic Weathering - This involves living organisms (such as plants and animals), or acids from rotting vegetation.

In many cases, more than one type of weathering occurs at any one place. This is due in part to factors like climate, the type of rock, the amount and the type of vegetation.