Chemical

Weathering
Alex and Colleen
Carbonation
The Carbonic Acid reacts with the Calcium Carbonate in the rock to
form either Calcium Bicarbonate, or Calcium Hydrogen Carbonate.
Rainfall mixes with Carbon Dioxide in the air to form a
weak carbonic acid.
This is soluble and is removed by
percolating water
Rate of Carbonation
Areas with standing rainwater will
experience higher rates off carbonation.
Therefore it is less likely to happen in dry
countries or on steep slopes, such as mountains, as the dissolved
rock will get washed away immediately.
Permeable rock are more prone to any types of chemical weathering, in particular, carbonation as the rock is full of tiny air spaces, allowing water to enter,
dissolving the calcium carbonate.
Sulphur Dioxide and Nitrous Oxide, released from cars and factories, etc will
speed up the process by making the rain water more acidic and corrosive.
Oxidation
When iron compounds rock react with either oxygen in the air, or
in water, to produce a reddish-brown coating, known as rust.
Rate of Oxidation
Atmospheric conditions like temperature will effect the rate of oxidation.
The warmer it is, the faster the rate of oxidation.
Alkaline rocks in particular, e.g. Iron are more
prone to chemical weathering