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

Question

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

Answer 1

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.