Question

The single most important weathering agent is ________.

A) nitrogen
B) water vapor
C) oxygen
D) water
E) carbon dioxide

Answer 1

The most important weathering agent is water, as it contributes to both mechanical and chemical weathering processes, surpassing the roles of other elements like oxygen.

Step-by-step explanation:

The single most important weathering agent is water. Water contributes to both mechanical and chemical weathering processes. It is involved in the freeze-thaw cycle that breaks down rocks, in hydrolysis reactions that change the chemical composition of minerals, and in the transportation of weathered materials. Oxygen plays a role in oxidation reactions, such as the formation of rust from iron oxide, but water is more universally impactful on weathering processes on Earth.