The aspect of a slope - its direction in relation to the sun - significantly affects weathering rates and types. Slopes facing the sun (south-facing in the Northern Hemisphere and north-facing in the Southern Hemisphere) receive more sunlight and tend to be warmer. This increased exposure to sunlight can accelerate physical weathering processes, such as thermal expansion and contraction of rocks, leading to a faster breakdown. It can also enhance chemical weathering by promoting conditions conducive to chemical reactions. Conversely, shaded slopes receive less sunlight and are generally cooler and moister, which may slow down physical weathering processes but can create ideal conditions for biological weathering, such as the growth of mosses and lichens that can break down rock through acid production. The aspect also affects vegetation types, which further influences weathering types and rates.

Microclimate, the localized climate of a small area, plays a significant role in determining local weathering processes. Microclimates can vary greatly even within short distances due to variations in factors such as exposure to sunlight, wind patterns, and moisture levels. For example, a microclimate on the sunny side of a hill may experience more intense thermal weathering due to higher temperatures, leading to greater expansion and contraction of rocks. In contrast, a shaded area might have a cooler, moister microclimate, which could enhance chemical weathering processes and biological weathering. Urban microclimates, often warmer due to the heat island effect, might experience different weathering rates compared to rural areas. The presence of water bodies can also create microclimates with higher humidity levels, influencing the type and rate of weathering in the surrounding area. Understanding these microclimatic variations is crucial for accurately assessing weathering processes in specific locations.

Different rock types influence the formation of soil through weathering by determining the soil's mineral composition, texture, and fertility. For instance, granite, a resistant rock, weathers slowly, resulting in sandy, well-drained soils with lower fertility due to the limited release of nutrients. In contrast, basalt, a less resistant rock, weathers more rapidly, producing richer soils high in nutrients like iron and magnesium. Limestone weathers chemically to form clay-rich soils, which are typically fertile but may have drainage issues. The rate at which these rocks weather also impacts soil development; faster weathering leads to quicker soil formation. The type of weathering - physical or chemical - also influences soil characteristics. Physical weathering produces coarser soil textures, while chemical weathering results in finer, more nutrient-rich soils.

Human activities can significantly impact the factors affecting weathering. For instance, urban development often leads to changes in the natural landscape, such as increased surface runoff due to impermeable surfaces, which can accelerate physical weathering processes like erosion. Industrial activities can lead to acid rain, which enhances chemical weathering, particularly in limestone regions where the acidic precipitation can dissolve the rock. Quarrying and mining activities expose new rock surfaces to weathering agents, increasing the rate of weathering. Additionally, deforestation can drastically alter the local climate and vegetation cover, removing the protective layer provided by vegetation and exposing the soil and rocks to more intense weathering processes. Landscaping and agricultural practices, such as ploughing, can also disrupt the natural rock structure, accelerating erosion and other forms of physical weathering.

Altitude significantly influences the type of vegetation in an area, which in turn impacts the weathering process. As altitude increases, the climate generally becomes cooler and harsher, leading to changes in vegetation types. For example, at lower altitudes, dense forests with broadleaf trees are common. These forests contribute to chemical weathering through the production of organic acids and moisture retention, promoting processes like hydrolysis and carbonation. However, as altitude increases, vegetation tends to become sparser and more shrub-like. The reduced vegetation cover at higher altitudes means less organic acid production and less protection against physical weathering processes like frost action. Additionally, higher altitudes often experience more extreme temperature variations, which can enhance physical weathering processes like freeze-thaw and exfoliation. Thus, the change in vegetation with altitude leads to a shift from chemical to more physical weathering processes.