In the early history of Earth, the solid surface of the earth weathered more rapidly than now because ______ .
A) there was little topography so shallow water washed across the surface often
B) the rocks at the surface were weak because there was little oxygen available
C) the early rain was very acidic
D) there were numerous earthquakes and volcanoes breaking up the surface
E) the atmosphere contained large amounts of corrosive methane

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The early rain was very acidic due to the presence of high levels of carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen oxides in the atmosphere. This acidic rain would have accelerated the weathering of the rocks on the surface of the earth.

In the Early History of Earth, the Solid Surface of the Earth