Which mountain erodes faster: underwater or above water?

Context

This question explores the rate of erosion between mountains submerged underwater and those exposed to the elements above water. Assuming both mountains are composed of the same material and experience average conditions for their respective environments, which one would erode faster?

Simple Answer

• Mountains underwater erode slower than those above water.
• Water above the surface is more powerful than water below the surface.
• Waves, wind, and rain are powerful forces that carve away at exposed mountains.
• Underwater, the water pressure is greater, but the force of the water is much less.
• Additionally, marine life can contribute to erosion, but it's much slower than the forces above water.

Detailed Answer

Mountains underwater erode slower than mountains above water due to the differing forces they experience. The primary factors driving erosion are the force and energy of the water. Above water, wind, rain, and waves have a much greater impact on mountain surfaces. Waves crashing against the shore can break apart rocks, and the constant flow of rain and wind can weather away the surface of the mountain. In contrast, underwater, the pressure of the water is higher, but the force of the water is much less. While underwater currents do exist, they don't have the same destructive power as waves crashing against a shore.

Another factor contributing to the slower erosion rate underwater is the presence of marine organisms. While some organisms, like barnacles and mussels, can contribute to erosion by attaching to the rock surface, their impact is generally minimal compared to the forces above water. Marine life plays a more significant role in weathering rather than erosion. This means that they change the surface of the rock rather than breaking it apart. Furthermore, the presence of sediment and silt at the bottom of the ocean can actually protect the mountain from erosion. These sediments act as a buffer, absorbing the energy of the currents and preventing them from directly impacting the mountain.

In addition, the chemical environment underwater can also affect erosion rates. Saltwater is more corrosive than freshwater, which can lead to the breakdown of certain types of rock. However, the rate of this chemical erosion is generally slow compared to the physical forces of erosion above water. It's important to note that underwater erosion can still occur, but it is much less significant than above water due to the absence of powerful waves, wind, and rain. The rate of erosion is determined by a variety of factors, including the type of rock, the climate, and the presence of organisms.

In conclusion, while underwater mountains do erode, the process is much slower than above water. The absence of powerful waves, wind, and rain, coupled with the presence of marine life and sediment, all contribute to the slower erosion rate underwater. It's also worth mentioning that mountains underwater are often much older than those above water. This is because they have had more time to erode, and the forces of erosion have been less intense over millions of years.

Ultimately, the location of a mountain, whether it's submerged or exposed, significantly influences the rate of erosion. The forces of nature above water are far more powerful and destructive, leading to a much faster erosion rate. While underwater mountains may experience a slower erosion rate due to the absence of strong currents and the presence of sediment and marine life, they are still subject to the forces of erosion over long periods.