Question

Water plays an important role in the chemical weathering of rock. In 3–5 sentences, identify and explain agents of chemical weathering to support that statement.

Answer 1

Water is a crucial agent of chemical weathering due to its ability to dissolve minerals and facilitate chemical reactions. When water interacts with rocks, it can dissolve soluble minerals like halite and calcite, effectively breaking down the rock structure. Additionally, water can participate in hydrolysis, where minerals react with hydrogen ions from water, altering their chemical composition and leading to further weathering. The presence of acids, such as carbonic acid formed from carbon dioxide dissolved in rainwater, can enhance this process by promoting the weathering of silicate minerals and contributing to soil formation. These interactions demonstrate how water not only facilitates but actively drives the chemical weathering process.