Weathering, as a process of denudation, comprises a number of processes by which surface and subsurface rocks disintegrate into mineral particles or dissolve in water.
Weathering includes various processes by which rocks are disintegrated or decomposed for their easy removal and transportation by various processes of denudation such as running water, wind, waves, glaciers and underground water.
As a matter of fact, weathering is the first and the most important step in erosion of the land. But by the breakdown or decay of rocks a mantle of waste (regolith) is created which will remain in situ until agents of erosion cause it to be moved.
So the weathering may be defined as the breakdown of rock material in place, involving no movement.
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Thus, it is clear that processes of weathering do not involve transport, but they prepare the early stages of the overall denudation process. It is true that little or no gradation is possible without initial preparation by weathering.
Weathered materials can be moved away from their place of origin in a number of ways. Some such materials that are dissolved in water and transported in solution are called dissolved load.
Besides, small rock or any solid fragments can be carried in suspension by running water (streams), ice, and wind. These are called suspended load.
There are, however, larger fragments which are also transported by various agencies of erosion by being pushed, dragged, rolled or bounced across the ground’s surface and in the beds of streams of water and ice in the form of bed load.
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It is to be borne in mind that the maximum size of particles and the amount of load that can be carried are determined by the fluidity of water, ice or air involved and by the velocity of the current.