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When rain soaks away rock below the ground to form caves what has occurred?
mechanical weathering +++ I'd class it as chemical weathering because the action is dissolution by weakly-acid, and it works only in limestone, gypsum and dolomite - although dolomite deposits are not normally structurally disposed to cave development.
The formation of Karst topography requires carbonic acid to react with?
limestone
How have caves shaped the earth in the past?
Caves have shaped the Earth through various geological processes such as erosion, dissolution of rock by water or acid, and tectonic activity creating fractures or faults. Over time, caves can form intricate underground networks that impact how water flows through the landscape and can contribute to the formation of unique landscapes above ground. Caves also provide valuable habitats for a variety of flora and fauna.
What are some types of weathering that occurs in the jenolan caves?
Chemical weathering of limestone due to carbonic acid in water is the primary process that shapes Jenolan Caves. This results in the formation of intricate cave structures such as stalactites and stalagmites. Mechanical weathering, caused by physical forces like temperature changes, also plays a role in shaping the caves.
What are two kinds of rocks that are easily weathered by carbonic acid?
Limestone and marble are two types of rocks that are easily weathered by carbonic acid due to their high calcium carbonate content. Over time, carbonic acid dissolves these rocks, leading to the formation of caves, sinkholes, and other karst landscapes.
Is carbonic acid an acid that forms caves?
Yes, carbonic acid (H2CO3) can dissolve limestone and other minerals in rocks to create caves over long periods of time through a process called carbonation. Carbonic acid reacts with the calcium carbonate in limestone to form calcium bicarbonate, which is more soluble and leads to cave formation.
How are limestone caves different to other caves?
Primarily in their mode of formation: dissolution of limestone by water acidified by atmospheric CO2 (forming carbonic acid).
What is involved in acid formation?
Chemical change happens when there is an acid formation as the substances and chemicals reacts to form new substances.
How is carbonic acid responsible for the for the formation of some caves?
Over time it dissolves limestone or gypsum, so most caves are in those rocks, of which limestone is by far the more widespread.
What produced the sulfuric acid that helped form the Lechugilla caves?
The sulfuric acid in the Lechugilla caves was produced through the oxidation of hydrogen sulfide gas. Bacteria in the cave environment catalyzed this process, leading to the formation of sulfuric acid that played a key role in sculpting the cave passages.
What are two gases involved in the formation of acid rain?
Two gases involved in the formation of acid rain are sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx). These gases are released into the atmosphere from burning fossil fuels, vehicles, and industrial activity, where they combine with water vapor to form sulfuric acid and nitric acid, resulting in acid rain.
What process hollows out limestone in caves?
The process that hollows out limestone in caves is called chemical weathering. This occurs when rainwater combines with carbon dioxide in the atmosphere to create a weak carbonic acid, which gradually dissolves the limestone over time, resulting in the formation of caves and caverns.
Can caves be formed by acid rain?
Yes, caves can be formed by acid rain, although it is not the primary mechanism for cave formation. Acid rain, which contains sulfuric and nitric acids, can enhance the dissolution of limestone and other soluble rocks, leading to the development of underground voids over time. This process contributes to karst topography, where features like sinkholes and caves are created as the rock is gradually eroded away. However, most caves primarily form through the natural processes of groundwater chemistry and erosion rather than directly from acid rain.
What kind of acid has weathered the limestone in caves?
Carbonic acid
What reactions with water lead to the formation of these caves?
Rain water + atmospheric CO2 gives Carbonic Acid - very weak but over time able to dissolve limestone.
What is role of bacteria in the formation of limestone caves?
It has no directrole. Caves are formed in limestone primarily by slightly acid ground-water dissolving it. The acidity comes from the water falling as rain, absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. The result is the weak carbonic acid - natural soda-water in fact! If bacteria have any role at all it may be forming acids in the soil by decay of organic matter, to augment the carbonic acid, but this is aminor part. So essentially, bacteria play no part in cave development.
When rain soaks away rock below the ground to form caves what has occurred?
mechanical weathering +++ I'd class it as chemical weathering because the action is dissolution by weakly-acid, and it works only in limestone, gypsum and dolomite - although dolomite deposits are not normally structurally disposed to cave development.
