Question

Which of the following geologic processes is driven primarily by heat energy from the sun?

1) igneous rock formation
2) earthquakes
3) breakdown of rocks by weathering and erosion
4) metamorphic rock formation
5) motion of Earth's tectonic plates

Answer 1

The breakdown of rocks by weathering and erosion is the geologic process primarily driven by heat energy from the sun, as solar heat influences temperature fluctuations and precipitation patterns.

Step-by-step explanation:

The geologic process driven primarily by heat energy from the sun is the breakdown of rocks by weathering and erosion. Weathering involves the breaking down of rocks on Earth's surface due to various factors, including changes in temperature and precipitation, which are largely influenced by solar heat. Erosion moves these broken down materials, often by agents such as wind, water, or ice, all of which are also powered by energy from the sun.