Factors Affecting the Rate of Weathering
Geology: The type of rock is extremely important in affecting rates of weathering. Rocks
with cracks are more likely to experience increased rates of physical and chemical
weathering. Cracks allow water to get. Soft rocks are much more vulnerable to weathering
than strong rocks. Also the chemical composition of rocks is also important. For example
limestone's that have large amounts of calcium carbonate are more vulnerable to
carbonation.
Vegetation: Areas of land that have vegetation are more likely to experience rapid biological
weathering. However, they are also likely to insulate the rock from large temperature
ranges, reducing some physical weathering. Vegetation will intercept rainwater, reducing
rates of some chemical weathering. Vegetation can hold rain water in-situ though increasing
chemical weathering and some mosses contain chemicals that can increase chemical
weathering.
Climate: Climate is very important because high temperatures increase the rate of chemical
reactions, therefore increasing chemical weathering. Wet and warm areas are also likely to
see an increase in the amount of vegetation, increasing biological weathering. Warm but dry
areas are going to see little chemical weathering but areas with high diurnal temperature
ranges will see an increase in some physical weathering.
Relief: A steep relief can increase some forms of physical weathering, but can slow chemical
weathering. Most forms of chemical weathering need rain to be stationary, but steep slopes
encourage fast surface run-off. However, a steep slope will cause weathered rocks to fall
away quicker exposing fresh rock beneath to be weathered.
Aspect: This is the direction a slope is facing. The direction it faces can affect the amount of
sunshine it receives. If a slope is facing the sun it might have more vegetation growing on it,
increasing biological weathering. If it is not facing the sun it might have less vegetation
increasing the rates of chemical weathering and physical weathering.
Humans: Humans can influence rates of weathering in many ways, they can add chemicals
to water courses, they can deforest or forest areas, they can introduce animals or remove
animals.
Why is weathering more rapid in tropical areas than temperate areas?
Briefly tropical areas tend to experience more weathering because of:
 Large amounts of rainfall increasing chemical weathering
 High temperatures increase the rate of this chemical weathering
 Large amounts of vegetation increasing biological weathering
 Some areas (high areas and desert areas) have higher diurnal temperature range.