This cycle repeats itself, until the ice, which is trapped in a very confined space, acts like a wedge and breaks the rock apart. Chemical weathering is something a little different. Rocks, in the presence of oxygen, can undergo oxidation, which simply means that chemicals in the rock chemically combine with oxygen in the atmosphere. These acids can dissolve the rocks, breaking them down into tiny pieces known as sediments. Another process, similar to weathering, called erosion, can also occur.
Erosion is caused by processes that include wind, sunshine, waves, currents, and glaciers.
Probably the most famous example of erosion is the Grand Canyon , in which a huge canyon was created by running water eroding the rock. In any case, the rock gets broken down and the pieces, called sediments, get picked up and carried away.