Hover for more information. Humans can affect weathering (breaking down of rock/soil) in several ways. Humans cause increases in acid rain and pollution, which increase the amount of weathering agents in the air and water, and then on land The effects of weathering disintegrate and alter mineral and rocks near or at the earth's surface. This shapes the earth's surface through such processes as wind and rain erosion or cracks caused by freezing and thawing. Each process has a distinct effect on rocks and minerals.
