Why weathering processes are more rapid in humid tropical regions than in temperate regions?

Answer 1

Tropical areas tend to experience more rapid weathering because large amounts of consistent rainfall and constantly warm temperatures increases the rates of chemical weathering. The high temperatures and consistent rainfall also encourage the growth of vegetation, there by promoting the wedging effect of tree roots on rocks, thus increasing the physical effect of biological weathering. These conditions also encourage the decomposition of plant matter to produce chemicals such as humic acids and carbon dioxide and these chemicals increases the rate of weathering. Humid tropical regions are also nearer to the equator so high temperatures and faster rates of chemical reaction can take place. For example, rates of carbonation on limestone can thus be sped up. On the ther hand, temperate areas have generally moderate temperatures. This means that freeze-thaw action is not important and exfoliation does not occur. The main type of weathering, just like at the humid tropics is also chemical, however, the relatively low temperatures mean that the rate of weathering is less than in the tropics.