chemical weathering

(geochemistry) A weathering process whereby rocks and minerals are transformed into new, fairly stable chemical combinations by such chemical reactions as hydrolysis, oxidation, ion exchange, and solution. Also known as decay; decomposition.

The breaking down in situ of rocks. The main processes are: carbonation, hydrolysis, oxidation, solution, and attack by organic acids. Chemical weathering is at its most rapid in hot and humid climates, but present even in Arctic environments. see mechanical weathering.