Geomorphology

Although climate is the main factor affecting weathering,other factors also play a significant role in determining the rate and type of weathering.

Rock Characteristics/Composition

Rocks with already made cracks are easily attacked by weathering agents eg water in cracks or by humic acids.The mineral composition of rock determines the type and rate of weathering,for example rocks such as limestone are susceptible to Carbonation because of their calcium carbnate composition whereas rocks such as granite are made up of minerals that react at different rates;quartz is more resistant than feldspar.Dark colored rocks such as gabbro are more susceptible to insolation weathering.

Rock Hardness

The hardness of rock can determine what weathering can take place and how fast.For example hard resistant rocks such as granite(quartz) and gabbro need episodes of repeated expansion and contraction or freezing and cooling before they can start to crack.In addition quartz in granite is very resistant to chemical weathering.Conversley soft rocks such as limestone and chalk easily gets weathered.

Vegetation

Vegetation shelters rock from agents of weathering making weathering such as insolation impossible and or providing humic acids from decayed vegetation which promotes and accelerates hummification(chelation) and carbonation.In addition,vegetation can weather rocks through plant root action.

Relief

On steep slopes weathered debris can be removed by mass wasting exposing the rocks to more agents of weathering eg insolation.Conversely,on flat gentle slopes weathered debris or vegetation may cover the rock from futher weathering.In addition,gentle slopes promote infiltration which supply abudant moisture to the soil favouring weathering such as hydrolysis or oxidation.

Aspect

Sun facing slopes are more prone to agents of weathering such as insolation promoting Insolation weathering or speeding up chemical reactions.Conversely sun backing slopes are sheltered from insolation promoting weathering such as freeze thaw.(North facing slopes receive high insolation in the Southern Hemisphere whereas in the Northern Hemisphere,south facing slopes receive high insolation)