Question

select the passage that has a more scholarly tone. the shape of the land is largely affected by differential weathering. areas of weak rock are wasted to plains, while areas of hard rock adjacent are still left as hills and mountain ridges, as in the valleys and mountains of eastern pennsylvania. there is probably no other place that combines such bold mountain outlines with a quality of beauty that is so intimate and refined. just to live in the valley in the eloquent and ever - changing presence of these carved and tinted peaks brings enormous satisfaction. adapted from william harman norton, the elements of geology and u.s. department of the interior, rocky mountain colorado national park

Explanation:

The first passage uses technical terms like "differential weathering" and presents a factual, objective description of geological processes. The second passage is more descriptive and evokes an emotional response with words like "beauty", "intimate", and "satisfaction". A scholarly tone is typically more objective and uses technical language.

Answer:

The first passage.