Which term describes the process of the dissolution of soluble rock in water, such as limestone?

Which term describes the process of the dissolution of soluble rock in water, such as limestone?

• A. Erosion
• B. Weathering
• C. Corrosion
• D. Dissolution

Answer: (C)

This is about a chemical weathering process called dissolution, where soluble minerals dissolve into water. Limestone, made of calcium carbonate, reacts with slightly acidic water formed when carbon dioxide dissolves in rainwater to form carbonic acid. This acid dissolves calcium carbonate, producing calcium bicarbonate that is carried away in solution, slowly dissolving the rock and creating features like caves and sinkholes in karst landscapes. Corrosion describes chemical attack of metals, not rocks, so it isn’t the term used for rock dissolution. Erosion involves the removal and transport of rock material, while weathering is the broader breakdown that occurs in place; dissolution is the specific chemical mechanism by which soluble rocks dissolve in water.

This is about a chemical weathering process called dissolution, where soluble minerals dissolve into water. Limestone, made of calcium carbonate, reacts with slightly acidic water formed when carbon dioxide dissolves in rainwater to form carbonic acid. This acid dissolves calcium carbonate, producing calcium bicarbonate that is carried away in solution, slowly dissolving the rock and creating features like caves and sinkholes in karst landscapes. Corrosion describes chemical attack of metals, not rocks, so it isn’t the term used for rock dissolution. Erosion involves the removal and transport of rock material, while weathering is the broader breakdown that occurs in place; dissolution is the specific chemical mechanism by which soluble rocks dissolve in water.