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EFFECTS OF BIOKARSTIC PROCESSES ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF SOLUTIONAL RILLENKARREN IN LIMESTONE ROCKS
Author(s) -
FIOL Ll.,
FORNÓS J. J.,
GINÉS A.
Publication year - 1996
Publication title -
earth surface processes and landforms
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.294
H-Index - 127
eISSN - 1096-9837
pISSN - 0197-9337
DOI - 10.1002/(sici)1096-9837(199605)21:5<447::aid-esp607>3.0.co;2-x
Subject(s) - scanning electron microscope , landform , geology , mineralogy , materials science , geomorphology , composite material
Karren landforms developing on limestone rocks are understood to be produced primarily by chemical dissolutional processes. Available data suggest that rainfall intensity, drop size, water temperature and viscosity play significant roles in the growth of the most simple of these features, which are termed rillenkarren. Nevertheless, chemical data and scanning electron microscopy provided by our study have shown that mechanical removal of small limestone particles is one of the principal processes involved in the growth of rillenkarren. This mode of detachment is caused by the impact of raindrops but their effect seems greatly increased when algal cells of Chroococcus minutus (Kütz.) Näg. have previously corroded the surface of the limestone, weakening its crystalline structure. These fragile micromorphologies of biokarstic origin are fundamental in the development of rillenkarren, complementing the wellknown physico‐chemical controls that are involved.