hide
Free keywords:
Science, geology, geochemistry, geophysics, microbiology, plate tectonics, Tectonic Fractures, microfractures, climate, earth system, earth surface, plants, soil, rock, water, groundwater, rock fractures, weathering, Critical Zone, CO2, Organic Carbon, Deep Biosphere, Mineral, clay minerals, GFZ Potsdam, Advection, Diffusion
Abstract:
To weather rock, reagents are required. For example, CO2 is found in rainwater as carbonic acid or CO2 is produced by plant roots and by microbes. Through the large fractures carbonic acid and CO2 reach great depth – dissolved in water. Through the fine fractures they reach the interior of the rock. There they dissolve minerals, like the feldspar. New, completely different minerals form, for example clay minerals. They create fine fractures through which water with carbon can penetrate further and the weathering begins again.
