Under Similar Warm, Moist Climatic Conditions, Why Would Basalt and Gabbro

question 8

Multiple Choice

Under similar warm, moist climatic conditions, why would basalt and gabbro generally have higher chemical weathering rates than rhyolite and granite?

• A)The potassium feldspars and quartz in the rhyolite and granite are more susceptible to cracking by frost wedging.
• B)The ferromagnesian minerals in the gabbro and basalt are subject to oxidation and chemical breakdown.
• C)The plagioclase feldspars in the granite and rhyolite decompose readily to clay minerals and iron oxides.
• D)The quartz in the gabbro and basalt decomposes very quickly.

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Definitions:

Sulfur Oxides

Compounds formed from the combination of sulfur and oxygen, often produced by burning fossil fuels, and are significant contributors to pollution and acid rain.

Nitrous Oxides

A group of gases that include nitrogen dioxide and nitric oxide, which are significant atmospheric pollutants contributing to the greenhouse effect and depletion of the ozone layer.

Global Warming

The long-term rise in Earth's average surface temperature due to greenhouse gas emissions and human activities.

Ozone Depletion

The reduction of the ozone layer in the Earth's atmosphere due to the release of chemical compounds containing gaseous bromine or chlorine from industry and other human activities.