Which term is defined as the breakdown of rocks or soil as a result of compositional changes?

Deposition refers to the process by which sediments, soil, and rocks are added to a landform or land mass, typically as a result of erosion and transport. It does not involve the breakdown of materials due to compositional changes, but rather the accumulation of particles in new locations.

Erosion is the process through which rocks and soil are worn away and removed from their original site, often by natural forces such as water, wind, or ice. While erosion can lead to the movement of materials, it does not specifically refer to changes in the chemical composition of those materials.

Physical weathering involves the mechanical breakdown of rocks and soil without altering their chemical composition. Processes like freeze-thaw cycles and abrasion fall under this category, but they do not result in compositional changes, distinguishing them from chemical weathering.