TWO FACTORS WHICH PROMOTE RAPID CHEMICAL WEATHERING IN THE TROPICS ARE

• A. high temperature and extreme aridity
• B. high temperature and low humidity
• C. low temperature and high humidity
• D. high temperature and high humidity ✓
• E. high temperature and low rainfall

In the tropics, rapid chemical weathering is promoted by high temperatures and high humidity. These conditions accelerate the breakdown of rocks and minerals through chemical processes. The combination of high temperatures and high humidity increases the rate of chemical reactions, leading to faster weathering of rocks. The warm temperatures enhance the kinetic energy of molecules, making them more reactive, while the high humidity provides the water necessary for chemical reactions to occur.

The warm climate in the tropics speeds up chemical reactions by increasing the frequency of molecular collisions, which in turn promotes the breakdown of minerals in rocks. Additionally, the presence of abundant moisture in the form of high humidity ensures that there is a constant supply of water for these chemical reactions to take place. Water is a critical component in many weathering processes as it acts as a solvent, carrying ions away from the weathering site and facilitating mineral dissolution.

Furthermore, high temperatures can also lead to the expansion and contraction of minerals within rocks due to diurnal temperature variations. This physical weathering process, known as thermal stress weathering, can weaken rocks and make them more susceptible to chemical weathering processes.