Weathering and erosion are two different processes that often work hand in hand. Weathering breaks rocks into small pieces. Erosion carries the pieces away. But neither happen magically. Both need an agent or helping hand. Water, wind, plant life and temperature change crack, carve, smooth and polish rock. Water, wind, ice and waves pick up the weathered pieces and deposit them in a different location. As deposits build new landforms are made and the cycle begins anew.