A rock in Abisko,Sweden fractured along existing joint geology joints possibly by frost weathering or thermal stress

comparison of unweathered (left) and weathered (right) limestone

Weathering is the breaking down of rocks, soil and their minerals through direct contact with the Earth's atmosphere, waters, or living things. It is a natural process.

Weathering occurs in one place with little or no movement, and should not be confused with erosion which is when rocks and minerals are moved to another place by ice, water, wind or gravity.