The diagram below shows the basic materials and processes involved in the rock cycle.

Which of the following processes within the rock cycle operates at the Earth's surface?
A.
pressure & heat
B.
plate tectonics
C.
weathering
D.
melting

1 answer

The process within the rock cycle that operates at the Earth's surface is:

C. weathering

Weathering occurs when rocks are broken down into smaller pieces through physical, chemical, or biological processes, and it takes place at the Earth's surface. The other options—pressure & heat, plate tectonics, and melting—are processes that typically occur deeper within the Earth.