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Thermal properties as controls on rock surface temperature maxima, and possible implications for rock weathering
Author(s) -
McGreevy J. P.
Publication year - 1985
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.3290100205
Subject(s) - weathering , geology , thermal , thermal conductivity , natural (archaeology) , mineralogy , basalt , parent rock , geochemistry , materials science , composite material , thermodynamics , paleontology , physics
Four rock types (basalt, sandstone, granite, and chalk) are examined with respect to the maximum surface temperatures which they experience when subjected to similar conditions of exposure. Rock temperature measurements are reported for an urban environment and for two experimental situations in which an infrared lamp is used to simulate heating under cold and hot conditions. Differences in rock temperatures are discussed with reference to thermal rock properties (albedo, specific heat capacity, and thermal conductivity). Some natural situations are suggested in which thermal rock properties could conceivably play a role in determining the extent to which rocks would be affected by particular weathering processes.