lösungsverwitterung

Lösungsverwitterung, also known as dissolution weathering, is a type of chemical weathering where soluble rocks are dissolved by water. This process is particularly significant in areas with high rainfall and the presence of soluble minerals. The most common rocks affected by lösungsverwitterung are limestones, dolomites, and evaporite minerals like rock salt and gypsum.

The effectiveness of lösungsverwitterung depends on several factors, including the chemical composition of the rock, the acidity of the water, and the temperature. Rainwater, naturally slightly acidic due to dissolved carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, becomes even more acidic when it percolates through soil and encounters decaying organic matter. This acidic water can then react with the calcium carbonate in limestone, for instance, to form soluble calcium bicarbonate, which is then carried away by the water.

The results of lösungsverwitterung are often evident in the landscape, creating distinctive features. Karst topography is a prime example, characterized by sinkholes, caves, underground drainage systems, and irregular surfaces formed by the dissolution of soluble bedrock. In areas rich in rock salt, the rapid dissolution can lead to the collapse of the ground surface, forming salt pans or playas. Evaporite deposits, which form when water evaporates and leaves behind dissolved minerals, are also highly susceptible to lösungsverwitterung if they are exposed to water. This process plays a crucial role in shaping the Earth's surface over geological timescales.