Chemical weathering, also known as chemical erosion, is a process that alters the composition of rocks and minerals by chemical reactions. Chemical weathering can result from a variety of natural processes, and there are several synonyms to describe the phenomenon. Some alternative terms for chemical weathering are chemical degradation, chemical disintegration, chemical dissolution, and chemical corrosion. These terms all refer to the chemical breakdown of rocks and minerals over time due to exposure to elements such as water, oxygen, and acidic compounds. While the specific chemical reactions that contribute to chemical weathering may differ, all of these terms describe the same overall process.