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

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The ferromagnesian minerals in gabbro and basalt, such as pyroxene and olivine, are rich in iron and magnesium that can undergo oxidation and chemical breakdown, leading to higher chemical weathering rates compared to rhyolite and granite, which have lesser amounts of these minerals.

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