Question

Which mechanical weathering process will be most common in an arid environment?

Answer 1

The most common mechanical weathering processes in an arid environment are thermal expansion and contraction, and salt crystal growth.

Step-by-step explanation:

In an arid environment, the most common mechanical weathering process is called thermal expansion and contraction. This process occurs when rocks are repeatedly heated by the sun during the day and cooled at night. The constant temperature changes cause the outer layers of the rocks to expand and contract, resulting in their gradual breaking apart.

Another mechanical weathering process that can occur in arid environments is called salt crystal growth. This occurs when water containing dissolved salts seeps into cracks and crevices in rocks. As the water evaporates, the salts are left behind, and their crystals grow larger. This growth exerts pressure on the surrounding rock, leading to its fragmentation over time.

Answer 2

An arid environment is characterized by hot and dry climatic conditions. Plants and animals are adapted to survive in this harsh conditions. Rainfall is minimal to intermittent.
In arid environment, the climatic weathering is very slow because of no to minimal rainfall.
Mechanical or physical weathering most common in an arid environment is THERMAL WEATHERING due to constant increase in temperature.