Where Would Marble Be Most Effected By Weathering

Marble is typically composed of calcite which dissolves in acid.

Where would marble be most effected by weathering.

The weathering that affects marble the most is chemical weathering. Marble slate and granite are the big three. Weathering processes depend upon the pres ence of water the temperature the mineral composition of the rock and its chemical com position. Granite is extremely hard and less affected by the freeze thaw cycle the forces of abrasion and the surface exfoliation processes that are all a part of physical weathering.

Acid precipitation affects stone primarily in two ways. When it rains the rain usually has acid in it which dissolves the marble. Acid rains are one of the main degradation agents for marble artifacts. Stone surface material may be lost all over or only in spots that are more reactive.

When sulfurous sulfuric and nitric acids in polluted air and rain react with the calcite in marble and limestone the calcite dissolves. I never learned about the oxidation but i found this online. In dry climates weathering is slow. Headstones are subjected to weath.

The texture of the rock will affect the type of weathering that is most likely to occur. The pattern of joints fractures and fissures within rock may provide an avenue for water to penetrate. Physical weathering is the toll put on rocks by processes like. How does acid precipitation affect marble and limestone buildings.

Acid rain contains carbonic nitric and sulfuric acid that are produced by oxidation and dissolution in water of gaseous oxides co 2 no 2 and so 2 present in the air as chemical pollutants. Most gravestones made over the last few centuries are made of a few types of rock. When sulfurous sulfuric and nitric acids in polluted air react with the calcite in marble and limestone the calcite dissolves. Weathering describes the breaking down or dissolving of rocks and minerals on the surface of the earth.

Weathering processes on headstones and monuments alison tymon march 2012 weathering is defined as the breakdown of rock in situ that is without being moved. Water ice acids salts plants animals and changes in temperature are all agents of weathering. Marble like all calcareous rocks is particularly sensitive to degradation by acid chemicals and to weathering. A gravestone made of granite will therefore resist fracturing cracking and chipping longer than a sandstone marker found in the same location.

Fine grain rock will usually be more susceptible to chemical alteration but less susceptible to physical disintegration. In exposed areas of buildings and statues we see roughened surfaces removal of material and loss of carved details.