Where Would Marble Be Most Effected By Weathering

Physical weathering is the toll put on rocks by processes like.

Where would marble be most effected by weathering.

Headstones are subjected to weath. Moist and warm climates favor chemical weathering while moist cold climates favor physical weathering. In dry climates weathering is slow. Stone surface material may be lost all over or only in spots that are more reactive.

Marble slate and granite are the big three. Weathering describes the breaking down or dissolving of rocks and minerals on the surface of the earth. Marble is typically composed of calcite which dissolves in acid. Fine grain rock will usually be more susceptible to chemical alteration but less susceptible to physical disintegration.

A gravestone made of granite will therefore resist fracturing cracking and chipping longer than a sandstone marker found in the same location. 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. Marble like all calcareous rocks is particularly sensitive to degradation by acid chemicals and to weathering. I never learned about the oxidation but i found this online.

Weathering processes depend upon the pres ence of water the temperature the mineral composition of the rock and its chemical com position. The pattern of joints fractures and fissures within rock may provide an avenue for water to penetrate. 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. When it rains the rain usually has acid in it which dissolves the marble.

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. In exposed areas of buildings and statues we see roughened surfaces removal of material and loss of carved details. The weathering process is affected by climatic conditions. When sulfurous sulfuric and nitric acids in polluted air and rain react with the calcite in marble and limestone the calcite dissolves.

The weathering that affects marble the most is chemical weathering. Water ice acids salts plants animals and changes in temperature are all agents of weathering. Acid precipitation affects stone primarily in two ways. The texture of the rock will affect the type of weathering that is most likely to occur.

Acid rains are one of the main degradation agents for marble artifacts. Marble is most prone to chemical weathering in a moist warm climate.