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‘frost and salt’ weathering: Further experimental results
Author(s) -
McGreevy J. P.
Publication year - 1982
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/esp.3290070508
Subject(s) - weathering , frost (temperature) , salt (chemistry) , frost weathering , salt solution , geology , environmental science , geotechnical engineering , mineralogy , soil science , geochemistry , chemistry , geomorphology , soil water
A laboratory experiment has been conducted to examine the effects of ‘frost and salt’ weathering (i.e. physical breakdown by the freezing of salt solutions) on a limestone. Results show that the presence of certain salts in solution can inhibit frost damage. These findings are in direct conflict with those presented by Goudie (1974) and, more recently, Williams and Robinson (1981). Comparison of the experimental methods used in each of these three studies suggests that opposing results can be explained in terms of the different experimental procedures which were employed. If salt supply is frequent and plentiful then it seems likely that rock breakdown will be enhanced‐this is the case represented by the experiment of Williams and Robinson. Conversely if the salt supply is limited and the amounts of salt remain more or less constant then rock breakdown will be inhibited‐the case of the present experimental study. Caution is therefore advocated when attempting to extrapolate laboratory‐derived results to infer on the behaviour of rocks under natural conditions. Several environmental situations in which ‘frost and salt’ weathering may be a possibility are dsiscussed, but it is concluded that further field data, especially concerning temperature regimes and salt availability at and below rock surfaces in cold regions, would be necessary before more definite statements could be made about the efficacy of this process.