INDIAN GEOGRAPHY

THE EARTH

PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY

Question [CLICK ON ANY CHOICE TO KNOW THE RIGHT ANSWER]
Which chemical weathering process affects limestone the most?
A
Sulphonation
B
Hydration
C
Oxidation
D
None of the above
Explanation: 

Detailed explanation-1: -Option (B) Carbonation is the correct as carbonation refers to weathering caused by carbonic acid. Dissolved carbon dioxide in rainwater or moist air forms carbonic acid which then reacts with minerals susceptible to carbonation like limestone.

Detailed explanation-2: -Limestone is chemically weathered by a process of carbonation. As rainwater absorbs carbon dioxide as it passes through the atmosphere it becomes a weak carbonic acid. The water and carbon dioxide combine to form a weak carbonic acid.

Detailed explanation-3: -For instance, carbon dioxide from the air or soil sometimes combines with water in a process called carbonation. This produces a weak acid, called carbonic acid, that can dissolve rock. Carbonic acid is especially effective at dissolving limestone.

Detailed explanation-4: -Hydration reactions involve water being added to the chemical structure of a mineral. An example of a hydration reaction is when anhydrite (CaSO4) is transformed into gypsum (CaSO4ยท2H2O). A consequence of hydration is that the resulting mineral has a greater volume than the original mineral.

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