How does wind contribute to weathering?

• A. Wind can break down rocks into smaller particles through abrasion.
• B. Wind only transports particles and does not weather rocks.
• C. Wind cools rocks without changing them.
• D. Wind causes chemical dissolution of rocks.

Answer: (A)

Wind contributes to weathering mainly through abrasion, a physical process where wind-blown sand and dust grind against rock surfaces and break them into smaller pieces. As particles collide with rocks, they wear them down, rough edges get smoothed, and tiny fragments are produced—often leaving pitted, sculpted surfaces. This kind of weathering happens in deserts, coastlines, and other windy environments where loose sediment is abundant. It’s different from erosion, which is about moving those weathered fragments away from their original spot. The other options don’t fit because cooling alone doesn’t change rock, and chemical dissolution involves reactions with water and chemicals rather than wind-driven processes. So the best answer highlights abrasion by wind as a direct physical weathering mechanism.