Final answer:
Igneous rocks, such as basalt, obsidian, and granite, are the most resistant to wind erosion and surface runoff due to their dense interlocked mineral structures formed from cooled magma or lava.
Step-by-step explanation:
The rocks that are most resistant to wind erosion and surface runoff are igneous rocks. These rocks form when magma or lava cools and solidifies, resulting in a hard, dense structure made of interlocked mineral crystals. This makes igneous rocks, such as basalt, obsidian, and granite, less likely to be worn down by wind or water. In contrast, sedimentary rocks, which are made from particles carried by air or water, or from the precipitation of chemicals dissolved in water, tend to be less resistant to erosion. Similarly, metamorphic rocks, although they have been altered by heat and pressure, may not be as resistant as igneous rocks, depending on their formation and composition. Karst topography, which is characterized by dissolved limestone forming caves and sinkholes, is also not as resistant to surface processes as igneous structures.
When considering the weathering resistance of sedimentary rocks, it is important to note that while quartz within these rocks shows strong resistance to mechanical and chemical abrasion, the overall resistance of sedimentary rocks to erosion is typically less than that of igneous rocks. The clastic nature, which includes rocks like sandstone and shale, means that the particles can often be more easily dislodged and carried away by erosion.