Question

Which statements explain why rocks weather at different rates? Check all that apply.

Answer 1

The correct answers are:

• Softer, porous, or more permeable rocks weather faster than harder rocks.

• Rocks in warmer climates weather faster than rocks in colder climates.

• The more water present, the faster the rate of weathering.

The weathering rate for rocks depends on different factors.

The factors are: the composition of the rock, the climate, the and the activities of humans, animals, and plants.

Answer 2

Weathering is the process through which the surface minerals of rock are broken down and loosened. This occurs through the action of extreme temperatures, rainwater and biological activity.

Thus, softer, porous or more permeable rocks are more susceptible to the mecahnical action of water and wind. This leads to them weathering faster.

Warmer climates generally have larger amounts of rainfall. This leads to rocks in these areas to weather faster than rocks in colder climates.

Rocks with slowly dissolving minerals are more resistant to weathering than other rocks due to increased resistance to the chemical effects of water.

The more water present, the higher the effect of chemical and physical withering.

More permeable rocks are less resistant to weathering due to the fact that more water can penetrate and thus erode the rock.

In conclusion, the explaining statements are numbers 1, 2 and 4. Statements 3 and 5 are false.