University of Sussex
Browse

File(s) not publicly available

Limestone weathering in contemporary arid environments: A case study from southern Tunisia

journal contribution
posted on 2023-06-07, 17:19 authored by B J Smith, P A Warke, C A Moses
Weathering features are described from a meteorologically arid area in southern Tunisia. Active weathering is concentrated in topographic lows (pits and pans) that concentrate available moisture and are associated with endolithic and epilithic algae responsible for algal boring, plucking and etching of the limestone substrate. Deposits of gypsum have concentrated through evaporation within hollows and occur as isolated patches of tabular crystals indicating an additional weathering agent characteristic of arid environments. The active development of a complex microkarst and associated salt weathering are combining to destroy linear karstic features such as rillenkarren, widespread case-hardening and in places patches of iron- and manganese-rich rock varnishes. The complexity of active and inherited weathering features belies the perceived simplicity and lack of weathering opportunities associated with aridity. Instead it focuses on the need to consider the nature of microclimatic conditions at the rock/air interface especially when seeking to define desert weathering environments. It also highlights the difficulties of interpreting polygenetic landforms and the importance of microscale studies for identifying the impact of contemporary climatic conditions.

History

Publication status

  • Published

Journal

Earth Surface Processes and Landforms

ISSN

0197-9337

Publisher

Earth Surface Processes and Landforms

Issue

12

Volume

25

Page range

1343-1354

ISBN

0197-9337

Department affiliated with

  • Geography Publications

Notes

Special Issue: Weathering Processes, Products and Environments

Full text available

  • No

Peer reviewed?

  • Yes

Legacy Posted Date

2012-02-06

Usage metrics

    University of Sussex (Publications)

    Categories

    No categories selected

    Exports

    RefWorks
    BibTeX
    Ref. manager
    Endnote
    DataCite
    NLM
    DC