Natural variations in calcite dissolution rates in streams: Controls, implications, and open questions
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
3-24-2015
Department
Department of Geological and Mining Engineering and Sciences
Abstract
Models of bedrock channel evolution typically assume that chemical erosion is negligible in comparison to mechanical erosion. While this assumption is reasonable for channels in silicate rocks, it is questionable within highly soluble strata such as carbonates. The magnitude and variability of calcite dissolution rates in streams has remained as a critical unknown for models of bedrock incision and karst conduit formation. Here we use U.S. Geological Survey data to estimate calcite dissolution rates from 77 different streams located in a wide range of settings. The calculated rates are commonly on the order of ∼1 mmyr-1, which is 1 to 2 orders of magnitude larger than previous estimates. We also find that PCO2 is the strongest control on at-a-site variability, though some sites also display dilution-controlled variability. Typically, dissolution rates vary within a relatively narrow range, which has important implications for the relative importance of chemical and mechanical erosion.
Publication Title
Geophysical Research Letters
Recommended Citation
Covington, M.,
Gulley, J.,
&
Gabrovšek, F.
(2015).
Natural variations in calcite dissolution rates in streams: Controls, implications, and open questions.
Geophysical Research Letters,
42(8), 2836-2843.
http://doi.org/10.1002/2015GL063044
Retrieved from: https://digitalcommons.mtu.edu/michigantech-p/3352