'weathering' of KIMMSWICK LIMESTONE rock face EC EarthCache
'weathering' of KIMMSWICK LIMESTONE rock face EC
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As an Earthcache, there is no 'container' to discover. Rather, with this cache, you discover something interesting about the geology of this area. To receive CREDIT for this 'find' please e-mail me at my profile the answers to the questions listed below. PLEASE send your answers BEFORE U log a 'find', as I would not want to DELETE !
REQUIREMENTS ARE:
!- The greatest 'weathering' agent is _______.
2- Estimate the height of this limestone rock face.
3- Determine if the 'weathering' that you see is PRIMARLY mechanical or chemical weathering.
4- List the TYPES of mechanical & chemical weathering that you observe.
5- Do you see 'new' soil being 'created' at the base of this large limestone rock face as a result of 'weathering'?
6- Post pic if you wish.
Submit a pic if you wish!
(There are more than a few steps to go down to reach this earthcache, but it is worth it. There is also another earthcache further down the trail)
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This earthcache is found in at the Mastodon State Historical Site.
This earthcache relates to the Kimmswick Limestone rock face about 15 feet to the left of the information sign at there coordinates.
In this earthcache, you are looking at the Kimmiswick Limestone rock face, trying to determine the reasons for the 'weathering' that is taking place.
CLIMATE & WEATHERING:
Weathering is the direct result of the climate. It will determine the rate and type of weathering that occurs to a rock. The greatest weathering agent is water. The amount of precipation in an area determines the amount of waethering that can occur.
The rate of weathering depends upon three main factors:
1- The minerals being weathered and there resistance to weathering
2- The climate
3- The amount of surface area exposed
Scientists can use known rock surfaces to measure weathering rates. For example, buildings, tombstones, and monuments have known dates of construction, and there rock surfaces can be examined.
Weathering is the decomposition of the earth's rocks, soils, and minerals through direct contact with the atmosphere. Weathering occurs without movement, meaning that erosion is NOT considered to be weathering, though it may have caused the environment for weathering.
There ate TWO TYPES of weathering - MECHANICAL (PHYSICAL) and CHEMICAL.
MECHANICAL weathering - involves the breakdown of rocks and soils through direct contact with atmospheric conditions such as water, ice and preasure. Mechanical weatheriing is a major cause of the DISINTERGRATION of rocks. The rock size is broken down into smaller particles but the rock components are not altered.
CHEMICAL weathering - involves the direct effect of atmospheric chemicals or biologically produced chemicals in the breakdown of rocks, soils, and minerals. The composition of the rock components DOES change in chemical weathering.
The minerals left over after the rock breakdown combined with organic matter creates soil. The mineral content of the soil is determined by its parent sources. Thus, a soil derived from a single rock type can often be deficient in one or more minerals for good fertility, while a soil weathered from a mix of rock types often makes a more fertile soil.
TYPES OF MECHANICAL WEATHERING:
THERMAL EXPANSION - This type of mechanical weathering happens when there is a great CHANGE in temperatures on a cyclic basis. The stress of the temperature change causes the peeling off of the layers of rock into sheets. Thermal expansion is increased by moisture.
FROST DISINTERGRATION - This happens in environments with alot of moisture and where the temperature often fluctuates above and below freezing. When the water freezes it crystalizes and expands, producing stress on the rock. Limestone and shale are especially vulnerable to this type of weathering.
BIOLOGICAL WEATHERING - living organisms may contribute to mechanical as well as chemical weathering. The attachment of organisms to the rock surface enhances physical as well as chemical breakdown of the surface microlayers. On a large scale, seedlings sprouting in a crevice and plantg roots excert physical preasure as well as providing for water and chemical infiltration. Burrowing animals and insects disturbe the soil layers adjacent to the bedrock surface increasing water and acid infiltration too.
TYPES OF CHEMICAL WEATHERING:
DISSILUTION - Rainfall is acidic because atmospheric carbon dioxide disolves in the rainwater producing weak carbonic acid. It is the cause of acid rain, and the acid level is 2-3 times the normal.
CARBONATION - This takes place when rain combines with carbon dioxide. It has an effect especially on limestone because the weak carbonic acid formed reacts with calcium carbonate.
BIOLOGICAL - CHEMICAL WEATHERIING - A number of plants and animals may create biological/chemical weathering. The decaying remains of plants and the waste of animals form organic acids which when dissolved in water causes chemical weathering.
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