In arid regions, temperature changes and the wind are the strongest weathering 
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forces. Chemical action may also affect the surface of exposed rock, although its 
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effect is relatively minor. Temperature changes cause rapid expansion (during the 
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day) and contraction (at night) of the rock surface, as a result of which fragments 
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of rock break off. These fragments are then further eroded into small particles 
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while they are being carried by the wind (a process called attrition). The various 
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weathering processes in dry regions produce characteristic landscape features, 
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such as pedestal rocks, rounded hills (inselbergs), dreikanters and, in hot areas, 
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sun-shattered rocks.