Pronunciation: [wˈɛðəɹɪŋ] (IPA) 
The word "weathering" is spelled with two "e's" and one "a" to represent the different sounds in the word. Using IPA phonetic transcription, the first "e" is represented as /e/, which makes the "eh" sound as in "bed". The "a" is represented as /æ/, which makes the "ae" sound as in "cat". The final "e" is represented as /ɪŋ/, which makes the "ing" sound as in "ring". Therefore, "weathering" is pronounced as /ˈweðərɪŋ/.
Weathering is a natural geological process involving the physical, chemical, and biological breakdown of rocks and minerals on the Earth's surface. It occurs due to the interactions between the Earth's atmosphere, water bodies, and the land surface. This process gradually alters and disintegrates rocks, transforming them into smaller fragments or sedimentary particles.
Physical weathering involves the breakdown of rocks through mechanical forces like temperature changes, wind, and water erosion. These forces cause rocks to crack, crumble, or shatter into smaller pieces.
Chemical weathering, on the other hand, occurs when rocks chemically react with substances like water, gases, or acids in the environment. This leads to the alteration of the rock's composition, making it more susceptible to further physical weathering.
Biological weathering involves the decay or disintegration of rocks caused by living organisms such as plants, animals, or bacteria. Roots of plants can grow into cracks in rocks, exerting pressure and causing them to break apart.
Weathering plays a vital role in the formation of soil by gradually breaking down rocks and minerals into particles that mix with organic matter. It also contributes to the shaping of the Earth's surface through the erosion and deposition of sediment.
Overall, weathering is an essential component of the Earth's natural processes, acting as a precursor to erosion and sedimentation. It affects the landscape, helps in the creation of fertile soils, and is an integral part of the Earth's ongoing geological transformation.
Passing with difficulty.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "weathering" originated from the Middle English word "wederen", which was derived from the Old English word "wederian". Both of these terms meant "to be exposed to the weather" or "to undergo the action of weather". These Old English words are related to the Proto-Germanic root "wedr-" or "weþr-", meaning "weather". The term "weathering" eventually emerged in the 17th century to describe the process of rocks, minerals, or other materials being broken down and altered by various atmospheric conditions over time.
