The correct option is 2 only
Explanation
Weathering is the action of elements of weather and climate over earth materials. It acts as a fundamental exogenic geomorphic process responsible for breaking down rocks on the Earth's surface.
Statement-wise Analysis
- Statement 1 is Incorrect: Weathering is formally defined as the mechanical disintegration and chemical decomposition of rocks through the actions of various elements of weather and climate.
- Statement 2 is Correct: Weathering is an in-situ (on-site) process. Very little or no motion of materials takes place during the process. If significant transport or motion of materials occurs, the process is classified as erosion, not weathering.
- Statement 3 is Incorrect: While weathering aids mass wasting by loosening rock materials, it is not a pre-requisite for mass movement to occur. Mass movements can be triggered by gravity, seismic activity, or water saturation on unweathered slopes as well.
Key Takeaway: Weathering is the static (in-situ) breakdown of rocks, whereas erosion involves the dynamic transport of materials. Mass movement is gravity-driven and does not strictly require prior weathering.