Question

Which statements explain why rocks weather at different rates? Check all that apply.

Softer, porous, or more permeable rocks weather faster than harder rocks.
Rocks in warmer climates weather faster than rocks in colder climates.
Rocks with minerals that dissolve slowly in water will weather faster than other rocks.
The more water present, the faster the rate of weathering.
Rocks that are more permeable are more resistant to weathering.

Answer 1

Correct answers: 1, 2, and 4.

Brief explanations:
- Softer, porous, or more permeable rocks weather faster than harder rocks — true: softness and porosity/permeability let water and roots penetrate and make mechanical and chemical weathering easier.
- Rocks in warmer climates weather faster than rocks in colder climates — generally true: higher temperatures (especially with moisture) speed chemical reactions that cause weathering. (Cold climates may have more freeze–thaw physical weathering locally, but overall chemical weathering is slower.)
- The more water present, the faster the rate of weathering — true: water promotes chemical reactions (dissolution, hydrolysis) and helps transport weathering agents.

Why the others are wrong:
- Rocks with minerals that dissolve slowly in water will weather faster — false; minerals that dissolve rapidly weather faster.
- Rocks that are more permeable are more resistant to weathering — false; greater permeability usually increases weathering by allowing more water and air into the rock.