Answer: No.
Explanation: Clay is filled with minerals that often weather to create shale. Clay is usually found in muddy environments, so it traps.
Answer:
Continental slope
Explanation:
Continental slopes are underwater and tend to go downwards. Its not a trench, flat area, or a valley.
Your answer would be:
Slower
Steel wool originally is a very porous (you could say) material. The flames can not engulf the material easier and faster if it is compacted into a ball perhaps. If let loose, the flames can easily reach and burn the wool faster.