PHSC 1001C Week 4 Ranking of Sites from Highest Risk to Lowest Risk for Weathering and Mass Wasting:
Kilwa Kisiwani in Tanzania:
- Exposed surface to weathering factors
- High rainfall and high temperatures
- Limestone rock type is susceptible to dissolution, oxidation, salt decay, and hydration
Machu Picchu in Peru:
- Exposed surface to weathering factors
- High rainfall and high temperatures
- Granite rock type susceptible to oxidation and hydrolysis
- The highest risk for mass wasting due to extensive surface exposure, high rainfall, and elevation
Parthenon in Greece:
- Exposed surface to weathering factors
- Low rainfall and low temperatures
- Marble rock type is susceptible to hydration, oxidation, dissolution, and salt decay
Mesa Verde in the USA:
- Covered with vegetation and trees, reducing surface exposure to weathering
- Moderate rainfall and lower temperatures
- Sandstone rock type susceptible to oxidation, salt decay, and occasional dissolution
PHSC 1001C Week 4 Ranking of Sites from Highest Risk to Lowest Risk for Weathering and Mass Wasting: Explanation:
Considering the factors of surface exposure, rainfall, temperature, and rock type, the ranking of sites from the highest risk to the lowest risk for weathering and mass wasting is as follows:
Kilwa Kisiwani in Tanzania ranks highest due to its largely exposed surfaces, high rainfall, and high temperatures. The limestone rock type in Kilwa Kisiwani is susceptible to various weathering processes.
Machu Picchu in Peru follows closely behind as the second highest risk site. It has extensive surface exposure, high rainfall, and high temperatures. The granite rock type in Machu Picchu is prone to specific chemical weathering processes.
PHSC 1001C Week 4 Ranking of Sites from Highest Risk to Lowest Risk for Weathering and Mass Wasting:
The Parthenon in Greece ranks third with lower rainfall and lower temperatures. However, the marble rock type in the Parthenon shares similarities with limestone and is susceptible to similar weathering processes.
Mesa Verde in the USA poses the lowest risk as it is covered with vegetation and trees, reducing surface exposure. It experiences moderate rainfall and lower temperatures. The sandstone rock type found in Mesa Verde is less susceptible to weathering compared to the other sites. Overall, Machu Picchu in Peru is identified as the site most at risk for mass wasting due to its extensive surface exposure, high rainfall, and elevated location.
