The arid or hot desert areas dominated by mechanical weathering. Due to the high diurnal range of temperature in the arid areas, repeated expansion and contraction of the outer layer of the rock takes place. Weathering takes place in desert climates by the same means as other climates, only at a slower rate. This is besides the higher temperatures, which typically spur faster weathering. Water is the main agent of weathering and lack of water slows weathering. Thermal stress weathering is an important mechanism in deserts, where there is a large diurnal temperature range, hot in the day and cold at night. As a result, thermal stress weathering is sometimes says insolation weathering, but this is misleading.

Thermal stress weathering is an important mechanism in deserts, where there is a large diurnal temperature range, hot in the day and cold at night. As thermal stress weathering is sometimes called insulation weathering, but this is misleading. Weathering takes place in desert climates by the same means as other climates, only at a slower rate. This is besides the higher temperatures, which typically spur faster weathering. Water is the main agent of weathering, and lack of water slows weathering. In humid and warm regions, chemical weathering is the dominant type of weathering. Landforms tend to be more rounded and soils tend to be thicker. Virginia has a warm, humid climate. If the area is hot and humid, chemical weathering is more prevalent. If it is drier, physical weathering is more predominant. In arid climates, however, weathering processes move very slowly. Mechanical weathering will be the dominant process in arid climates; however, because of its reliance on chemical weathering, it will also be quite slow. Hydrolysis causes most silicate minerals to turn into clays. The more water present, the faster weathering occurs. Temperature is also important. Warmer temperatures promote faster reactions, so chemical weathering is more effective in warm climates.Chemical weathering occurs only in hot climates, and mechanical weathering occurs only in cold climates. Chemical weathering happens in place, while mechanical weathering involves the transport of rocks. The desert surface is dominated by mechanical weathering processes. Rock fragments tend to be angular, rather than rounded. The absence of water in deserts means that little or no chemical weathering can take place. Instead, erosion, frost, sedimentation, and big temperature fluctuations between day and night break down the rocky surface into sand or gravel.