I. What is “rate of weathering”?
• Rate of weathering is how fast or how slow a rock is weathered, chemically or physically.
II. Factors that affect the rate of weathering
• 1.Rock Composition-
The materials in a rock can have an affect on the rate of weathering.
• Top: Granite• Bottom: Limestone
II. Factors cont.
• 2. Surface Area- The more surface area that is exposed, the faster the rate of weathering.
• Above: crushed rock• Below: whole
II. Factors cont.
• 3. Climate- Temperature and moisture, or humidity, are huge factors in the rate of weathering.
II. Factors cont. (Will this end?)
• 4. Topography- Steep slopes= massive movements of rocks (thanks to gravity, of course)
• Top: topographic map• Bottom: land slide
II. Factors cont. (last one!)
• 5. any others?
Differential weathering- different types of weathering occurring in different parts of a rock
Top: Chemical
Bottom: Mechanical
III. Examples
• Hot and dry climate= very slow weathering
• Hot and humid climate= very fast weathering