mechanical weathering

noun, Geology

any of the various weathering processes that cause physical disintegration of exposed rock without any change in the chemical composition of the rock:

Collision between rock surfaces can cause mechanical weathering.

Also called physical weathering.

Compare chemical weathering.

Contemporary definitions for mechanical weathering

noun

the erosion or breakdown of rock into smaller fragments by natural physical agents with no chemicals involved; also called disintegration

Examples

Agents of mechanical weathering are frost, tree roots, etc.