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The weathering rates of some sandstone cliffs central Weald, England
Author(s) -
Pentecost Allan
Publication year - 1991
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.3290160109
Subject(s) - weathering , outcrop , geology , cretaceous , negative correlation , geomorphology , mineralogy , paleontology , medicine
Short‐term (1‐30 months) weathering rates were obtained for steep cliffs of Cretaceous Ardingly Sandstone in southern England, using a new photographic method. Mean rates for an exposed and a sheltered outcrop were 0.11 and 0.033 mm a −1 respectively. Significant ( p < 0.1) positive correlations were obtained with illumination and algal biomass and a significant negative correlation ( p < 0.05) with slope angle. There was no correlation with grain size, porosity, or mean surface temperature. Highest weathering rates were observed on south‐ and west‐facing exposed cliffs. The results are discussed with reference to algal growth, climate, and wind direction.