What are some ways the Earth can be harmed by weathering?

Weathering is the process by which natural elements, such as water, wind, plants, etc. break down rocks and soil. In this process, Earth's landform changes. Think about how a plant can have extended roots in the cracks of a rock and how it will extend this crack over time, ultimately causing the rock to break. Given the scale of such processes, mountains are weathered and new river paths are forged, resulting in new valleys. Weathering also results in more sediments in flowing water, which may cause sediment deposits at some points (embankment by rivers or river delta). Stream direction changes can cause flooding of previously dry areas and affect the properties of soil. Weathering of rocks and minerals increases the mineral and salt content of the water bodies.

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