Encrustare

Encrustare is a term used to describe the process by which a layer of hard, solid material forms on or within a surface. This can occur in various natural and artificial contexts.

In geology, encrustare often refers to the formation of mineral deposits on rocks, such as the deposition of calcium carbonate to create a crust on cave walls, known as speleothems. It can also describe the accretion of sediments on submerged objects or the cementing together of grains to form sedimentary rocks.

In biology, encrustare can describe the growth of organisms that form a hard covering. Examples include the formation of coral reefs, where polyps secrete calcium carbonate, or the development of barnacles on a ship's hull. Certain types of algae and lichens also exhibit encrusting growth patterns, colonizing surfaces like rocks and trees.

In materials science and engineering, encrustare might refer to the unwanted buildup of scale or deposits on industrial equipment, pipes, or heat exchangers. This can be caused by the precipitation of dissolved minerals from fluids or by chemical reactions at elevated temperatures. The removal of such encrustations is often necessary for maintaining efficiency and preventing damage. The term broadly encompasses any process leading to the formation of a rigid, external or internal layer.