Question

which describes a climate effect on the rate of weathering?
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.

Explanation:

• In cold climates, water freezes and thaws. When water freezes, it expands. This expansion can break rocks apart, which is a form of mechanical weathering.
• Chemical reactions generally occur faster at higher temperatures (not slower as stated in the second option).
• Lower precipitation levels mean less water available for chemical reactions (so there would be fewer, not more chemical reactions as in the third option).
• Chemical reaction rates of minerals are impacted by temperature (contradicting the fourth option).

Answer:

Cold climates favor mechanical weathering.