Basalt weathering refers to the process by which basalt rock, a common type of volcanic rock, is broken down and altered by the effects of weathering and erosion. This can include physical weathering processes such as frost action and salt crystal growth, as well as chemical weathering processes like hydrolysis and oxidation. Basalt weathering can result in the breakdown of minerals within the rock, the release of ions into surrounding water and soil, and the formation of new secondary minerals. Understanding basalt weathering is important for studying the Earth's geochemical cycles, as well as for assessing the impact of weathering on soil and water quality.