General & Specific Factors Affecting Weathering

What affects weathering in terms of climate?
Climate plays a significant role in determining the type and rate of weathering processes.

How does rock type influence weathering?
Some minerals and cements in rocks are more resistant to weathering than others. For example, limestone is susceptible to carbonation, and quartz is chemically resistant.

How does limestone weather?
Limestone is particularly susceptible to carbonation due to its calcium carbonate (CaCO3) content.

How does sandstone weather?
Sandstone contains iron, making it prone to oxidation.

How does quartz weather?
Quartz is chemically resistant and cannot be easily chemically weathered.

How does rock structure influence weathering?
Differential resistance along lines of weakness and grain structure affects water movement and weathering rates.

How do grain sizes affect weathering?
Larger grains result in faster weathering due to greater void space and high permeability.

What role do natural lines of weakness in rocks play in weathering?
Natural lines of weakness allow water to penetrate, increasing weathering effects.

How do porosity and permeability influence weathering?
Porosity (open space between grains) and permeability (ease of water movement) influence weathering, with more permeable rocks weathering faster.

How does vegetation affect weathering?
Vegetation increases organic acid production and carbon dioxide, which enhances carbonation. It also moderates temperatures, reducing physical weathering, while roots increase biological weathering.

How does relief influence weathering?
Relief affects temperatures and exposure. Steep slopes may prevent material removal, while shallow slopes may not remove weathered material.

How do colder temperatures influence weathering?
At higher altitudes, colder temperatures dominate, making freeze-thaw weathering more common.

How does human activity affect weathering?
Human activity increases weathering due to airborne pollutants and acid rain, while vegetation removal reduces chemical and biological weathering.

What is the effect of temperature on weathering in glacial areas?
In glacial regions, freeze-thaw weathering is dominant, with the number and duration of freeze-thaw cycles being more important than the degree of ice.

How does weathering occur in temperate climates?
In temperate climates, chemical and biological weathering are dominant due to abundant moisture and vegetation.

How does weathering occur in arid or semi-arid regions?
In arid and semi-arid regions, mechanical weathering dominates due to low moisture, and evaporation exceeds precipitation.

How does humid tropical climate influence weathering?
In humid tropical climates, high rainfall and temperatures result in significant chemical weathering.

What is Van’t Hoff’s Law?
Van’t Hoff’s Law states that the rate of chemical weathering increases 2-3 times for each 10°C temperature rise, up to 60°C.