Question: Some geologists propose haloclasty, a process of salt crystallization responsible for the weathering of rocks, as an explanation for the specific weathering pattern observed on the Egyptian Sphinx. This explanation is rejected by some other geologists who hold the opinion that the type of weathering evident on the Sphinx enclosure walls, along with that on the core blocks of the Sphinx and Valley temples, could have only been caused by prolonged and extensive rainfall and hence date the construction of the Sphinx back to the 6th or 5th millennium BC.

Which of the following, if true, provides the best support for the assertion that the weathering on the Sphinx could not have been due to haloclasty but instead due to extensive rainfall in the area?

1. The geologists who oppose the haloclasty theory for the weathering noticed on the Sphinx accept that it may be responsible for the weathering noticed at many places on the Giza plateau.
2.  ​Many geologists have concluded that haloclasty does not account for the absence of similar weathering on other rock surfaces in the Giza pyramid complex, which was cut from the same limestone beds as the Sphinx.
3. Certain other studies have shown that the erosion observed on the sphinx was indeed driven by moisture derived from atmospheric precipitation such as dew, which ultimately led to the process of haloclasty.
4. The weathering caused by haloclasty should have operated evenly on all exposed limestone surfaces of the Sphinx whereas the erosion observed indicates that the weathering is particularly evident on surfaces that would have been especially vulnerable to heavy downpour.
5. Many geologists agree that the peculiar horizontal bands observed on the Sphinx were not caused by haloclasty but by wind erosion.

Correct Answer: D
Explanation: D: Correct

It is the best option. It is clearly mentioned that the haloclasty has been operated on the limestone surfaces of the sphinx but the weathering is particularly due to the extended rainfall on the surface. It is the right choice.
Let's look at other options separately.

A: Inaccurate
It is not the correct choice. The geologists who declined the theory given for the weathering of sphinx have no relation with the weathering patterns in the Giza plateau. It is irrelevant.

B: Inaccurate
It is an incorrect choice. No mention of the weathering of the pyramid of Giza was mentioned in the given paragraph.

C: Inaccurate
It is an incorrect choice. The exact opposite of it is given in the passage that the weathering patterns in the sphinx are due to heavy and prolonged rainfall in that area and not due to dew. This option is eliminated.

E: Inaccurate
E is an incorrect choice. There has not been any mention of the peculiar horizon band in the passage. It is an irrelevant choice.

“Some geologists propose haloclasty, a process of salt crystallization responsible for the weathering of rocks” – is a GMAT Critical question. To answer the question, a candidate can either find a piece of evidence that would weaken the argument or have logical flaws in the argument. GMAT critical reasoning tests the logical and analytical skills of the candidates. This topic requires candidates to find the argument's strengths and weaknesses or the logical flaw in the argument. The GMAT CR section contains 10 -13 GMAT critical reasoning questions out of 36 GMAT verbal questions.

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