Question

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

Explanation:

To determine which condition slows weathering:

• Porous rocks increase surface area, speeding weathering.
• Cold climates reduce chemical reactions (e.g., less water for hydrolysis) and physical processes (e.g., freeze - thaw cycles), slowing weathering.
• Hard minerals are more resistant, but “cold climates” directly relates to environmental factors that slow weathering (e.g., low temp reduces chemical activity).
• High temperatures increase chemical reactions, speeding weathering.

Among the options, cold climates create an environment with reduced weathering - driving processes (e.g., less water movement, fewer chemical reactions), so they slow weathering.

Answer:

cold climates