Which action can help slow down the process of chemical weathering?
A. Using less water in industrial areas
B. Burning less fossil fuel
C. Removing iron oxide to avoid breaking down rocks
D. Removing clay to avoid weakening rocks
B. Burning less fossil fuel
To determine which action can help slow down the process of chemical weathering, let's analyze the given options:
A. Using less water in industrial areas: This option is not directly related to chemical weathering. While water can play a role in the weathering process, reducing water usage in industrial areas does not specifically address chemical weathering.
B. Burning less fossil fuel: This option is also not directly related to chemical weathering. Burning fossil fuels primarily affects air pollution and contributes to climate change but does not directly impact chemical weathering.
C. Removing iron oxide to avoid breaking down rocks: This option, while it might seem counterintuitive, can actually help slow down chemical weathering. Iron oxide, commonly known as rust, is a product of chemical weathering. By removing iron oxide, or preventing its formation, the breakdown of rocks through chemical reactions can be slowed down.
D. Removing clay to avoid weakening rocks: Again, this option is not directly related to chemical weathering. Clay is a result of physical weathering, and while it may weaken rocks and make them more susceptible to mechanical breakdown, it does not directly impact chemical weathering.
Based on the given options, option C: Removing iron oxide to avoid breaking down rocks, best aligns with slowing down the process of chemical weathering.