Describe the chief characteristics of weathering in different climates.

The chief characteristics of weathering in different climates are-

1. In equatorial climates, humidity and temperature are constantly high. Weathering specially chemical weathering is more active in these regions.
2. In Tropical climates, there is a marked dry season and wet season. Differences in heating leads to consistently high rate of evaporation, During wet season, precipitation of oxides of iron and aluminium takes place from rocks. This promotes formation of laterite soils.
3. In dry climates or deserts, mechanical weathering is most dominant due to high diurnal range of temperature.
4. In mid-latitudes or temperate climates, the most powerful agent of weathering is the frost action. In limestone areas, solution or chemical weathering operates on a large scale.
5. In polar climates, physical weathering due to frost action is most prevalent. Chemical and biological weathering is negligible.