Vädering

Vädering is the Swedish term for weathering, the set of physical, chemical, and biological processes that break down rocks, soils, and minerals at or near the Earth’s surface. It operates without the involvement of tectonic forces, distinguishing it from erosion, which involves the transport of material. Weathering modifies the landscape, creates soil, and influences the cycling of elements essential for ecosystems.

Physical (mechanical) weathering includes freeze‑thaw cycles, thermal expansion, exfoliation, and abrasion by wind or water. These processes fragment rock without altering its chemical composition. Chemical weathering involves reactions such as hydrolysis, oxidation, carbonation, and dissolution, which alter mineral structures and often produce soluble ions. Biological weathering results from the actions of organisms, from plant roots prying apart grains to microbes producing acids that accelerate mineral breakdown.

The rate and dominant type of vädering depend on climate, rock type, topography, and time. Warm, humid environments favor chemical reactions, while cold or arid regions are dominated by physical mechanisms. Over geological timescales, weathering contributes to the formation of regolith, the development of soil horizons, and the shaping of landforms such as dunes, karst landscapes, and river valleys. Understanding vädering is essential for fields ranging from agriculture and civil engineering to climate modelling and planetary science.