Which condition leads to a slower rate of weathering?
porous rocks
cold climates
hard minerals
high temperatures
Hard minerals
A slower rate of weathering can be caused by hard minerals. Hard minerals are generally more resistant to breaking down and are less susceptible to chemical and physical weathering processes. This means that they tend to weather more slowly compared to softer minerals.
The condition that leads to a slower rate of weathering is hard minerals.
Weathering refers to the breakdown of rocks and minerals on the Earth's surface due to various processes such as physical, chemical, and biological factors.
Hard minerals, also known as resistant minerals, are those that are more resistant to weathering compared to other minerals. They are characterized by their strong chemical bonds and their ability to withstand physical forces. Examples of hard minerals include quartz and feldspar.
In contrast, porous rocks, cold climates, and high temperatures can actually contribute to faster rates of weathering.
Porous rocks, such as sandstone or limestone, have interconnected pore spaces that allow water, gases, and even plant roots to access the minerals within. This can facilitate chemical reactions and accelerate weathering processes.
Cold climates can lead to freeze-thaw weathering, where water seeps into cracks or pores in rocks, freezes, and expands. As the water turns into ice, it expands and exerts pressure on the surrounding rock, causing it to crack or break apart.
High temperatures can also accelerate weathering. Heat increases the rates of chemical reactions and can cause thermal expansion, which places stress on rocks leading to faster breakdown.
Therefore, while porous rocks, cold climates, and high temperatures can contribute to faster rates of weathering, hard minerals are more resistant to weathering and tend to undergo it at a slower pace.