Describe how the conditions under which rocks form affect the physical stability of rocks?

Answer 1

The porsity of the rocks is a factor. The more porous, the more susceptible to cracking when water expands as ice in the rock cavities. Location is a factor, or rather weather, which is climate/location dependent. The more severe extremes of temperature during the year, the more affect on the rock due to the expansion/contraction that all materials experience when heated or cooled. Whether a rock is of igneous origin (volcanic), sedimentary (usually organic materials like dead sea creatures compressed by the weight of water ), or metamorphic (rocks that have undergone extreme pressure and temperatures). Sandstone is a good example of sedimentary rock, and is easily dissembled into small grains from weathering. The highly polished building stones you see in many lobbies on the floor and walls are of metamorphic origin. Basalt is a good example of an igneous rock, is extremely hard and will have been around for millions of years. However, on the scale of hardness, diamonds top the list. They are formed from carbon which creates crystals when put under extreme heat and pressure. They probably are the least susceptible to weathering under any conditions.

Answer 2

One factor that affects the rate of weathering in rocks is the type of rock that it is. Another factor is the climate.

Answer 3

1 - climate conditions

2 - exposure of the rock to the atmosphere

3- composition of the rock

Answer 4

The conditions that affect physical stability are heat, temperature, compression, pressure, and the molecular structure.

Answer 5

weather, erosion, deposition, compaction, living beings activity, acid rains, cementation, water contact, etc.

Answer 6

Minerals present : temperature precipitaion moisture animals and insects burrowing

Answer 7

Weathering and transportation

Answer 8

Temperature, pressure, time