Under similar warm, moist climatic conditions, why would basalt and gabbro generally have higher chemical weathering rates than rhyolite and granite?
A) The plagioclase feldspars in the granite and rhyolite decompose readily to clay minerals and iron oxides.
B) The potassium feldspars and quartz in the rhyolite and granite are more susceptible to cracking by frost wedging.
C) The ferromagnesian minerals in the gabbro and basalt are subject to oxidation and chemical breakdown.
D) The quartz in the gabbro and basalt decomposes very quickly.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The ferromagnesian minerals (rich in iron and magnesium) in gabbro and basalt are more chemically reactive and prone to oxidation and breakdown under weathering conditions compared to the minerals in granite and rhyolite, which makes gabbro and basalt weather at a faster rate.

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