Which describes a climate effect on the rate of weathering?

Question

Cold climates favor mechanical weathering.
Chemical reactions occur slower at higher temperatures.
Lower precipitation levels lead to more chemical reactions.
The chemical reaction rates of minerals are not impacted by temperature.

Answer 1

The statement that best describes a climate effect on the rate of weathering is "Cold climates favor mechanical weathering."

Cold temperatures can lead to freeze-thaw cycles, where water seeps into cracks in rocks, freezes, expands, and eventually causes the rocks to break apart.

The other options are misleading:

• Chemical reactions typically occur faster at higher temperatures, so "Chemical reactions occur slower at higher temperatures" is incorrect.
• Lower precipitation levels generally lead to fewer chemical reactions because many chemical weathering processes require water.
• The statement "The chemical reaction rates of minerals are not impacted by temperature" is also incorrect, as temperature significantly affects the rate of chemical reactions.