Title: Mineralogical and textural controls on the weathering of granitoid rocks
Abstract: The results obtained in several recent studies provide convincing evidence that potassium-rich granitoid rocks are relatively more resistant to weathering than their less potassic counterparts. This reflects the fact that microcline and orthoclase are more stable in most weathering environments than calcic plagioclase and biotite. Relatively slight differences in bulk rock chemical composition can lead to differential rates of weathering in areas of inhomogeneous granitoid terrain, thereby leading to the development of topographic features such as inselbergs. A second major control on the rate of weathering is rock permeability; this is largely a function of degree of microfracturing and jointing. In most circumstances grain size and other textural differences probably exert a minor influence on rates of chemical weathering, although laboratory tests have shown they may profoundly affect physical strength parameters.
Publication Year: 1986
Publication Date: 1986-06-01
Language: en
Type: article
Indexed In: ['crossref']
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Cited By Count: 56
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