What is the process known as that breaks down rocks into smaller fragments through physical forces?

The process that breaks down rocks into smaller fragments through physical forces is known as mechanical weathering. This process involves the physical alteration of rock without changing its chemical composition. Various natural forces are responsible for mechanical weathering, including temperature changes, freeze-thaw cycles, exfoliation due to pressure release, and abrasion from wind, water, or ice.

Mechanical weathering plays a significant role in the rock cycle, helping to create soil and sediment that can be carried away by erosion. Unlike chemical weathering, which involves the alteration of the minerals within the rock through chemical reactions (such as oxidation or hydrolysis), mechanical weathering solely relies on physical processes, allowing the rock to maintain its structural integrity while becoming fragmented.

The other options describe different processes: chemical weathering deals with the alteration of minerals within rocks due to chemical reactions, physical erosion refers to the movement of weathered materials, and granulation is not a standard term used in geosciences to describe a weathering process.