Which of the following statements best distinguishes the process of hydration from hydrolysis in chemical weathering?

Options:

• A: Hydration is a physical absorption of water into the crystal lattice of a mineral causing volume expansion, whereas hydrolysis is a chemical reaction where water dissociates into H+ and OH- ions to break down mineral structures.
• B: Hydration involves the chemical reaction of water with minerals to form new compounds, whereas hydrolysis is the physical absorption of water molecules into the mineral structure without chemical alteration.
• C: Hydration occurs only in arid regions due to high evaporation, whereas hydrolysis is restricted to cold, glaciated environments.
• D: Hydration leads to the formation of clay minerals like kaolinite, while hydrolysis only causes the oxidation of iron-bearing minerals.

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