Which type of weathering alters the chemical makeup of a rock and occurs in warm, humid climates?

• A. Mechanical Weathering
• B. Erosion
• C. Weathering
• D. Chemical Weathering

Answer: (D)

Chemical weathering is the process that changes the minerals in a rock through chemical reactions, and it is enhanced by warmth and moisture. In warm, humid climates, abundant water and higher temperatures speed up reactions like hydrolysis, oxidation, and dissolution, so minerals such as feldspar can turn into clay, iron-rich minerals can oxidize, and calcite dissolves in acidic rainwater. This is different from mechanical weathering, which only breaks rocks into smaller pieces without changing their chemical composition, and from erosion, which describes the removal and transport of weathered material. Therefore, the type that alters chemical makeup and thrives in warm, humid climates is chemical weathering.