1.
weathering; weathering action
The geological process by which rock is broken down in place by exposure to weather — temperature changes, water, and chemical reactions — without being carried away.
岩が風化作用で崩れる。
Rock crumbles through weathering.
風化作用によって岩石が砂になる。
Weathering turns rock into sand.
温度変化による風化作用が岩に割れ目を作る。
Weathering from temperature changes creates cracks in the rock.
USAGE: 風化作用 is weathering — the in-place breakdown of rock — combining 風化 (weathering) with 作用 (action). Note that 風化 on its own also means figuratively "to fade from memory."
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 風化作用を受ける: to be subject to weathering
- 物理的風化作用: physical weathering
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 侵食作用: erosion — wears rock away and transports it
- 風化: weathering; fading — the base noun, also used figuratively