Minerals in rocks on the Chennai coast are being weathered by physical and chemical processes. The rocks are breaking down, forming new clay minerals like halloysite and kaolinite. Iron oxides are also being created during this weathering. The weathering is happening in place, with only minor recycling of materials. The rocks are turning into soil, with more quartz and iron oxides forming in the weathered layers. This weathering is influenced by the alternating dry and wet conditions in the area.