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because rain water is acidic in nature

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How does rainwater make limestone wear away more quickly?

Rainwater is slightly acidic due to the presence of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. When rainwater comes in contact with limestone, it reacts with the calcium carbonate in the rock, causing it to dissolve and wear away more rapidly through a process called chemical weathering. Over time, this can lead to the formation of sinkholes and caves in limestone landscapes.


Is rainwater weak acid that dissolves limestone and rock and creates caves?

Correct, in limestone including its meta-form marble, and gypsum; respectively calcium carbonate and calcium sulphate. The acidity comes from absorbed atmospheric carbon-dioxide. NB though: Limestone is a rock anyway, but only these two calcium compound rocks are soluble to any real extent. Dolomite (magnesium carbonate based) will dissolve but the physical nature of its deposits tends to prevent cave formation. Rainwater will also attack the felspar in granite but the process, hydrolysis, is extremely slow and does not lead to dissolutional caves in granite.


What happens when it rains on limestone?

When rain falls on limestone, a chemical reaction occurs causing the limestone to dissolve. This process is called carbonation and results in the formation of calcium bicarbonate, which can be washed away over time by the rainwater. As a result, limestone can be weathered and eroded by rainfall.


How does the carbon in limestone get back into the atmosphere?

Carbon from limestone returns to the atmosphere through the process of weathering. Rainwater and carbonic acid break down the limestone, releasing carbon dioxide into the air. This process is a natural part of the carbon cycle.


What name is given to a underground hole formed by the dissolving of limestone by rainwater?

A swallow hole, i hope that was a good help for you. :-)

Related Questions

Why does rainwater weather away limestone buildings?

Rainwater is slightly acidic due to the presence of carbon dioxide, which can react with the calcium carbonate in limestone to dissolve and weaken the stone over time. This process, known as carbonation, causes erosion and weathering of limestone buildings, leading to their deterioration.


How are cenotes made?

Rainwater sinking into limestone


How do limestone roofs in Bermuda disinfect rainwater?

Limestone roofs in Bermuda naturally disinfect rainwater as it passes through the porous material. The high pH level of the limestone helps kill bacteria and impurities in the rainwater, making it safe for collection and use. Additionally, the limestone filters out debris and contaminants as the water seeps through.


Why rainwater has a naturally acidic on limestone buildings?

As rainwater falls to earth, it absorbs pollution (natural and industrial) in the atmosphere which turns the rainwater slightly acidic. Limestone is affected by the acidity, and weathering and erosion is the result. The more pollution, the stronger the acidity, and the more damage is done to buildings and statues made from limestone.


Has anyone ever found a limestone arrowhead?

I don't know but probably not 'cause limestone dissolves in rainwater


Why is chemical weathering common in places where there are large amounts of limestone and water?

Rainwater is naturally slightly acidic. The acid in rainwater reacts chemically with the calcium carbonate of limestone, dissolving it. The result is chemically weathered limestone, karst terrains, and cave structures.


Why does rainwater have an effect on limestone?

Under the category of weather, limestone would be most affected by rain. Rain contains carbonic acid which reacts chemically with the calcium carbonate in limestones. Just try putting a drop of vinegar on a piece of limestone and see what happens. Carbonic acid in rainwater is not nearly this concentrated, though, and the effects take much longer to be noticeable. Tropical climates also produce large amounts of vegetation whose plant roots help break limestone apart, creating more surface area for rainwater to attack. Limestone would be least affected in arid climates, where most erosion is in the form of wind particle abrasion.


Is rainwater a weak acid that dissolves limestone to form caves?

yes


What effect acid rainwater on limestone?

Acid rainwater can deteriorate limestone by dissolving the calcium carbonate in the stone. This chemical reaction leads to the formation of soluble calcium bicarbonate, which weakens and erodes the limestone surface over time. As a result, acid rain can cause significant damage to limestone buildings and structures.


Why there are large caves and tunnels where the main rock is limestone?

Limestone, CaCO3, is reactive with naturally acidic rainwater which helps dissolve it.


How does rainwater make limestone wear away more quickly?

Rainwater is slightly acidic due to the presence of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. When rainwater comes in contact with limestone, it reacts with the calcium carbonate in the rock, causing it to dissolve and wear away more rapidly through a process called chemical weathering. Over time, this can lead to the formation of sinkholes and caves in limestone landscapes.


Why does limewater disslove in rainwater?

Limewater IS dissolved in water. Limestone dissolves in water because the mineral calcite it comprises of is soluble. This is why limestone dissolves in water.