Which of the following rocks is the most and least resistant when it comes to weathering?
Granite
Basalt
Gineiss
Sandstone
Limestone
Slate
I found the most resistant was Granite and the least resistant was slate. Is that right?
I would guess that basalt was harder than granite and sandstone would wash away first, but I am no geologist.
I would guess it's granite for the most resistant and sandstone for the least resistant.
Also please note the typing error: it is GNEISS
Actually, now that I think of it, sandstone is also resistant to weathering, thus the least resistant would probably be LIMESTONE.
So, my guess is GRANITE for the most resistant and LIMESTONE for the least resistant.
(If I remember correctly, sandstone consists mostly of fine-grained quartz and quartz is highly resistant to weathering. Limestone consists of calcite.)
Yes, that is correct. Granite is generally considered to be the most resistant rock when it comes to weathering, while slate is considered to be the least resistant.
To determine the resistance of different rocks to weathering, several factors are usually considered: mineral composition, porosity, and structural integrity.
Granite is an igneous rock composed of minerals such as quartz, feldspar, and mica. Its strong interlocking crystal structure and low porosity make it highly resistant to weathering.
On the other hand, slate is a metamorphic rock formed from clay or volcanic ash. It has a very fine-grained structure, which makes it weak and more prone to weathering. Slate also has higher porosity, allowing water and other weathering agents to easily penetrate its layers and break it down over time.
It's important to note that some other rocks listed in your options have varying degrees of resistance to weathering. For example, basalt is generally more resistant than sandstone and limestone, but less resistant than granite. Gneiss, with its strong foliation and mineral composition similar to granite, is typically more resistant than sandstone and limestone, but less resistant than granite.
Overall, understanding the mineral composition, porosity, and structural characteristics of different rocks can help determine their resistance to weathering.