Carbon Dioxide
Carbon dioxide becomes dissolved in rainwater and sinks into the soil, resulting in the creation of carbonic acid. This acid can weather marble due to its corrosive nature.
acid rain
acid rain
acid rain
Carbon dioxide
Carbon dioxide.
Rainwater, which is slightly acidic due to dissolved carbon dioxide, can weather carbonate rocks like limestone and marble through a process called chemical weathering. This reaction leads to the dissolution of calcium carbonate, resulting in the formation of features such as caves and sinkholes. Over time, this process can significantly alter the landscape and contribute to soil formation. Additionally, the dissolved minerals from the rocks can impact groundwater quality and ecosystem health.
Marble is primarily composed of calcium carbonate, which is not very soluble in neutral water. It is generally not expected to dissolve significantly in rainwater with a pH of 5.6.
No. Rainwater is usually slightly acidic because of the carbon dioxide dissolved in it. Sometimes, it can be strongly acidic, if pollutants like sulphur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide are dissolved in it. Both weakly and strongly acidic rainwater react with some rocks, but only ones that are alkaline. Chalk is almost pure calcium carbonate and reacts fairly quickly with rainwater. Other rocks that contain calcium carbonate include limestone and marble and these react a little more slowly. But some rocks, like sandstone, are actually acidic and don't react with rainwater (though they are still physically weathered by rain). Granite also doesn't react with rainwater and it physically weathers much more slowly.
Rainwater can dissolve rocks that contain minerals such as limestone, chalk, and marble, which are mostly made of calcium carbonate. These rocks are easily weathered by the acidic properties of rainwater, leading to the process of dissolution. Over time, this can result in the formation of features like caves, sinkholes, and karst topography.
When calcium carbonate reacts with rainwater, it forms a weak acid called carbonic acid. This reaction can lead to the erosion of limestone or marble surfaces over time. Additionally, it contributes to the process of chemical weathering in nature.
Marble is a very soft 'somewhat brittle' stone. This means that slabs of marble are relatively easy to carve and polish. However, when cut into hearth size slabs e.g. 3" thick x 5' long moving it becomes quite a task. Marble is also strong and durable and can withstand rough weather.