Question

which condition leads to a slower rate of weathering?
porous rocks
cold climates
hard minerals
high temperatures

Explanation:

• Porous rocks: Have more surface area for weathering agents (like water, air) to act on, so they weather faster.
• Cold climates: Chemical reactions (a part of weathering) occur more slowly at lower temperatures. But physical weathering (like freeze - thaw) can still happen. However, compared to some other factors, cold climates don't necessarily slow weathering as much as hard minerals.
• Hard minerals: Are more resistant to both physical (like abrasion) and chemical (like dissolution) weathering processes. Since they are more resistant, rocks composed of hard minerals will weather at a slower rate.
• High temperatures: Generally speed up chemical reactions. In the context of weathering, higher temperatures can increase the rate of chemical weathering (e.g., oxidation, hydrolysis).

Answer:

hard minerals