Unit 3 - Essays - Weathering

Question 1

‘Temperature is the most important factor affecting the type and rate of weathering.’ With the aid of examples, how far do you agree?

Answer 1

‘Temperature is the most important factor affecting the type and rate of weathering.’ With the aid of examples, how far do you agree?

P: Temperature is critical, particularly in driving physical weathering through freeze-thaw and thermal stress.
P: Water plays a more universal role, enabling both physical and chemical weathering across climates.
P: Rock type critically determines the type and rate of weathering by controlling mineral vulnerability.
P: The most important factor often varies by location and timescale.

Question 2

‘Water is the most important factor affecting the type and rate of weathering.’ With the aid of examples, how far do you agree with this statement?

Answer 2

‘Water is the most important factor affecting the type and rate of weathering.’ With the aid of examples, how far do you agree with this statement?

Point: Water is a key agent driving multiple weathering types, particularly chemical and freeze-thaw processes.
Point: Without suitable temperature conditions, water’s effectiveness in weathering is significantly reduced.
Point: The mineral composition and porosity of rocks mediate how water affects weathering.
Point: In some environments, other factors may override water as the main weathering influence.

Question 3

With the aid of examples, assess the extent to which types of weathering are influenced by climate.

Answer 3

With the aid of examples, assess the extent to which types of weathering are influenced by climate.

Point: High rainfall and warm temperatures accelerate chemical weathering.
Point: In cold climates or high altitudes, freeze-thaw is a dominant physical weathering process, driven by temperature variation.
Point: Climate in deserts causes distinct weathering processes, despite minimal moisture.
Point: While climate plays a major role, the type of rock determines how it responds to weathering.

Question 4

‘Rock type is the most important factor in determining the type and rate of weathering.’ With the aid of examples, how far do you agree?

Answer 4

‘Rock type is the most important factor in determining the type and rate of weathering.’ With the aid of examples, how far do you agree?

Point: Rock type is a fundamental control on weathering as it dictates mineral composition, permeability, and structural weaknesses.
Point: Water availability directly determines the type and rate of weathering by enabling chemical and physical processes.
Point: Temperature affects chemical reaction rates and enables physical weathering via freeze-thaw or thermal stress.
Point: While rock properties matter, they only control weathering when interacting with environmental conditions.