Questions: Which describes a climate effect on the rate of weathering? Cold climates favor mechanical weathering. Chemical reactions occur slower at higher temperatures. Lower precipitation levels lead to more chemical reactions. The chemical reaction rates of minerals are not impacted by temperature.

The answer is the first one: Cold climates favor mechanical weathering.

Explanation for each option:

1. Cold climates favor mechanical weathering.

   • This statement is correct. In cold climates, mechanical weathering, such as freeze-thaw cycles, is more prevalent. Water seeps into cracks in rocks, freezes, and expands, causing the rock to break apart.

2. Chemical reactions occur slower at higher temperatures.

   • This statement is incorrect. Generally, chemical reactions, including those involved in chemical weathering, occur faster at higher temperatures. Higher temperatures provide more energy for chemical reactions to proceed.

3. Lower precipitation levels lead to more chemical reactions.

   • This statement is incorrect. Chemical weathering typically requires water, so higher precipitation levels usually enhance chemical weathering processes.

4. The chemical reaction rates of minerals are not impacted by temperature.

   • This statement is incorrect. Temperature is a key factor affecting the rate of chemical reactions, including those involved in weathering. Higher temperatures generally increase reaction rates.

In summary, cold climates are conducive to mechanical weathering processes, making the first option the correct description of a climate effect on the rate of weathering.