Which action can help slow down the process of chemical weathering?(1 point)

Responses

using less water in industrial areas
using less water in industrial areas

removing iron oxide to avoid breaking down rocks
removing iron oxide to avoid breaking down rocks

burning less fossil fuel
burning less fossil fuel

removing clay to avoid weakening rocks

removing clay to avoid weakening rocks

The action that can help slow down the process of chemical weathering is burning less fossil fuel.

The action that can help slow down the process of chemical weathering is burning less fossil fuel.

Explanation:
Chemical weathering refers to the breakdown of rocks and minerals due to chemical reactions. One common example of chemical weathering is the reaction between carbon dioxide (CO2) and water (H2O), which results in the formation of carbonic acid. This acid can then react with minerals in rocks, causing them to break down.

Burning fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas releases large amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. The increase in atmospheric CO2 leads to the acidification of rainwater, also known as acid rain. Acid rain is more acidic than normal rainwater and can accelerate chemical weathering processes.

By burning less fossil fuel, we can reduce the amount of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere, subsequently reducing the acidification of rainwater and slowing down chemical weathering. This action helps preserve rocks and minerals, preventing them from breaking down at a faster rate.