What process describes breaking up rock due to a substance dissolving it?

Dissolution refers to the process whereby a substance, typically a solvent, breaks down a solid, in this case, rock, into its constituent components so that they can be assimilated or transported away. This process often occurs when acidic solutions, such as rainwater containing carbonic acid (formed from carbon dioxide and water), interact with minerals like limestone and granite.

In dissolution, the minerals that make up the rock are actively decomposed at the chemical level, resulting in their effective removal from the rock structure. It is a common geological and environmental process that contributes to soil formation and landscape alteration over time. This is distinct from other processes: oxidation primarily involves the reaction of minerals with oxygen leading to rust-like transformations, while weathering is a broader term that encompasses all forms of rock disintegration, not limited to chemical means. Exfoliation involves the peeling or flaking of rock surfaces, generally due to temperature changes rather than chemical action.