Rates Of Postglacial rock weathering on glacially scoured outcrops (Abisko–Riksgränsen area, 68°N)

Ice–polished quartz veins, feldspar phenocrysts and quartzite layers were used as reference surfaces to assess the impact of Postglacial rock weathering in Lapland (68°N). Over 3200 measurements were carried out on roches moutonées and glaciofluvially scoured outcrops distributed within three study areas covering 8 km². Inferred weathering rates demonstrate that 10,000 years of Holocene weathering did not significantly modify the geometry of Weichselian rock surfaces. However, rates of general surface lowering range from 1 to 25, depending on the rock type, with average values at 0.2 mm ka⁻¹ for homogeneous crystalline rocks (irrespective of their acidity and grain size), 1 mm ka⁻¹ for biotite–rich crystalline rocks, and 5 mm ka⁻¹ for carbonate sedimentary rocks. Accelerated rates were recorded in weathering pits and along joints with values up to ten times higher than on the rest of the rock surface. Comparisons with cold and temperate areas suggest that solution rates of carbonate rocks are highly dependent on climate conditions, whilst granular disintegration of crystalline rocks operates at the same rate whatever the environment. It probably means that microgelivation is not efficient on ice–polished crystalline outcrops even under harsh climate conditions, and that granular disintegration proceeds under various climates from the same ubiquitous combination of biochemical processes. Last, the weathering state of Late–Weichselian roches moutonées can be usefully compared to that of Preglacial tors of the nearby Kiruna area.     

Rates Of Postglacial rock weathering on glacially scoured outcrops (Abisko–Riksgränsen area, 68°N)

Ice–polished quartz veins, feldspar phenocrysts and quartzite layers were used as reference surfaces to assess the impact of Postglacial rock weathering in Lapland (68°N). Over 3200 measurements were carried out on roches moutonées and glaciofluvially scoured outcrops distributed within three study areas covering 8 km². Inferred weathering rates demonstrate that 10,000 years of Holocene weathering did not significantly modify the geometry of Weichselian rock surfaces. However, rates of general surface lowering range from 1 to 25, depending on the rock type, with average values at 0.2 mm ka⁻¹ for homogeneous crystalline rocks (irrespective of their acidity and grain size), 1 mm ka⁻¹ for biotite–rich crystalline rocks, and 5 mm ka⁻¹ for carbonate sedimentary rocks. Accelerated rates were recorded in weathering pits and along joints with values up to ten times higher than on the rest of the rock surface. Comparisons with cold and temperate areas suggest that solution rates of carbonate rocks are highly dependent on climate conditions, whilst granular disintegration of crystalline rocks operates at the same rate whatever the environment. It probably means that microgelivation is not efficient on ice–polished crystalline outcrops even under harsh climate conditions, and that granular disintegration proceeds under various climates from the same ubiquitous combination of biochemical processes. Last, the weathering state of Late–Weichselian roches moutonées can be usefully compared to that of Preglacial tors of the nearby Kiruna area.     

AN EVALUATION OF SURFACE HARDNESS OF NATURAL AND MODIFIED ROCKS USING SCHMIDT HAMMER: STUDY FROM NORTHWESTERN HIMALAYA, INDIA

Four rock types (quartz mica gneiss, schist, quartzite and calc-silicate) located in the Satluj and Alaknanda valleys were used to test whether a Schmidt hammer can be used to distinguish rock surfaces affected by various natural and man-induced processes like manual smoothing of rock surfaces by grindstone, surface weathering, deep weathering, fluvial polishing and blasting during road construction. Surfaces polished by fluvial process yielded the highest Schmidt hammer rebound (R-) values and the blast-affected surfaces yielded the lowest R-values for the same rock type. Variations in R-value also reflect the degree of weathering of the rock surfaces. It has been further observed that, for all the rock types, the strength of relationship between R-values for the treated surfaces (manual smoothing of rock surface by grindstone) and the unconfined compressive strength (UCS) is higher than for the fresh natural surfaces.     

广东庙湾岛风化坑的地貌特征及成因

风化坑是常见的岩石坑穴地形,但容易被误解或与其他成因坑穴地形混淆。通过对庙湾岛风化坑地貌特征及形态参数进行详细测量和分析,采集风化坑内残积碎屑物、坑外岩石和当地风化壳样品进行粉晶X射线荧光光谱化学主量分析（XRF）和X射线衍射矿物分析（XRD）,对风化坑发育的成因机制进行了探讨,并得出以下结论：1）风化坑的发育与地形坡度有关,通常出现在平坦裸露的岩石面上。2）风化坑的形态特征表现为宽且浅,口缘有出水口,底部平坦,侧壁最凹处与出水口高度一致,其口径发育的速度远大于深度,长轴发育速度远大于短轴。3）同一岩石面上的风化坑具有不同的大小和深度,显示了其发育程度不一,其最大、最小深度对比反映了风化坑的发育过程。4）风化坑碎屑物与表岩之间的元素迁移和化学蚀变指数（CIA值）的差异,反映了风化坑的化学风化成因。5）风化坑碎屑物的英长比大于表岩,证明了化学风化导致的矿物差异风化作用。研究表明：庙湾岛风化坑形成和发育的主要作用为坑内积水的化学风化。     

Effects of direct and indirect heating on the validity of rock weathering simulation studies and durability tests

Rock surface and subsurface temperature responses in samples exposed to direct heating (insolation) under natural hot desert conditions reveal considerable variability between lithologies related to differences in thermal properties, especially albedo and thermal conductivity. However, when the same samples are heated indirectly by air in an oven-based environmental cabinet, lithological differences in temperature response disappear and all samples attain temperatures similar to the air temperature within the cabinet. Rates and patterns of rock decay produced in such environmental cabinets may not, therefore, reflect those encountered under natural conditions, where breakdown is related to micro-environmental conditions at the rock/air interface and where rock temperature is one of the most important controlling factors. In addition to implications for assessment of weathering effectiveness, use of only indirect forms of heating affects the determination of comparative rock durability because all rock types are cycled through the same temperature regimes. Because temperature exerts such a major control on rock breakdown through its control on physical and chemical weathering processes, all significant factors influencing it must be included in the design of weathering simulations and durability tests.     

Influence of climate fluctuation on clay formation in the Baikal drainage basin

Sedimentary cores BDP 96 and 98 and VER 96-2 St. 3 from Academician Ridge in Lake Baikal were investigated to investigate the effect of climatic fluctuations on rock weathering and clay formation in the Baikal drainage basin. Illite, smectite, vermiculite, and kaolinite were identified as the major clay minerals in the sediments by X-ray diffraction analysis. Biotite in gravels in alluvial soils of the Baikal drainage area weathers through illite to vermiculite, smectite, and finally to kaolinite. To investigate the relationship between weathering and climate, we measured the clay content and the concentration of biogenic silica in the sediments. High surface productivity (increased biogenic silica) and high chemical weathering (decreased clay content) occurred simultaneously, showing that crustal weathering and soil formation were enhanced under warm climatic conditions.Clay formation was enhanced in the watershed from the Late Miocene to the Middle Pliocene, and mechanical weathering of rocks increased during glacial intervals after the climate began to cool in Late Pliocene time. This change in the weathering mode in the watershed reduced the nutrient flux and aquatic productivity of Lake Baikal.     

Soil-geomorphology relationships in Sirjan playa, south central Iran

To study the soil-geomorphology relationships and the effect of past and present climate on soil formation, 10 representative pedons on different landforms, including rock pediment, mantled pediment, piedmont plain, playa margin and playa, were studied. Non-saline clay flat, saline clay flat with and without puffy grounds, wet zone, and salt crust were among the geomorphic surfaces observed in Sirjan playa. Soil moisture varies from mesic (on rock and mantled pediments) to aridic regimes (on piedmont plain, playa margins, playa and mantled pediment). Soil temperature regime in the area is mesic except on playa surfaces and mantled pediment which are thermic. Results of the study showed that soil salinity increased from the rock pediment to playa surfaces. The maximum EC of 314 dS/m was observed in the puffy ground clay flat. Kaolinite, illite, smectite, chlorite and palygorskite clay minerals were identified using XRD analysis. Coatings and infillings of CaCO₃ were observed in pediment and gypsum lenticels and interlocked plates were found on piedmont plain and playa. Clay coatings and infillings in the piedmont plain suggest the presence of a more humid paleoclimate in the history of the area.     

Controls on basalt terrace formation in the eastern Lesotho highlands

The objective of this study is to ascertain the relative importance of lithological controls and geomorphological processes in the development of Drakensberg basalt terraces. Various hypotheses for terrace formation are considered, including geological controls, macroscale geomorphology, and climatic–geomorphological controls. The variations in strength and relative age differences for scarp surface exposures on two slopes of varying aspect are determined, so that a comparison can be made between various scarp outcrops and relative rates of weathering. Scarp outcrops were measured for their rock mass strength, rock surface roughness, and percentage lichen cover. The ethylene glycol test was performed on prepared rock samples to determine susceptibility to tensional breakup. A satellite image depicting the distribution of late-lying contemporary snow was used to assist in the construction of topo-climatic linkages with scarp terrace localities. Findings show that terraces are most common on southeast-facing aspects, and coincide with the major joint strike direction. Lithological factors are thus considered the primary control to such terrace development. It is suggested that a different set of geomorphological processes operates on various slope-altitudinal and slope-orientational positions at any given time.     

DISTRIBUTION AND CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF MICROCOLONIAL FUNGI AND ROCK COATINGS FROM ARID AUSTRALIA

Microcolonial fungi are found on rock coatings at various sites throughout the arid regions of Australia. Fungi tend to concentrate in depressions, although it is uncertain whether they contribute to enlargement of microhollows. As determined by SEM-EDAX, the chemical characteristics of microcolonial fungi are variable but do not reflect those of the surfaces on which they are found. Most fungi contain calcium, sulfur, chlorine and sometimes phosphorus, but not manganese, in quantities greater than those of adjacent rock coatings. Major sources for accumulated elements may be rainfall or dust. Some elements, especially calcium, are apparently concentrated temporarily in microcolonial fungi, with amounts present in dead organisms being relatively low. The incorporation of some dead microcolonial fungi into developing rock coatings is therefore unlikely to lead to anomalously high calcium levels for cation ratio dating. As rock coatings contain trace or undetectable amounts of some other elements concentrated within active microcolonial fungi, the presence of an accumulator organism on coating surfaces does not necessarily result in these elements being incorporated within the coating. [Key words: microcolonial fungi, rock coatings, arid Australia.]     

ENDOLITHIC LICHENS,RAPID BIOLOGICAL WEATHERING AND SCHMIDT HAMMER R‐VALUES ON RECENTLY EXPOSED ROCK SURFACES: STORBREEN GLACIER FORELAND,JOTUNHEIMEN, NORWAY

The endolithic lichen Lecidea auriculata is known to enhance rock surface weathering on the Little Ice Age moraines of the glacier Storbreen in Jotunheimen, central southern Norway. This study demonstrates the reduction in Schmidt hammer Rvalues that followed the rapid colonization by this lichen of pyroxene‐granulite boulders on terrain deglaciated over the last 88 years. In the absence of this lichen, the characteristic mean R‐value of boulder surfaces is 61.0 ± 0.3; where this lichen is present, R‐values are lower by at least 20 units on surfaces exposed for 30–40 years. A similar reduction in rock hardness on rock surfaces without a lichen cover requires about 10 ka. The rapid initial weakening of the rock surfaces is indicative of rates of biological weathering by endolithic lichens that may be two orders of magnitude (200–300 times) faster than rates of physico‐chemical weathering alone. If not avoided, the effects of this type of lichen are likely to negate the effectiveness of the Schmidt hammer and other methods for exposure‐age dating, including cosmogenic‐nuclide dating, in severe alpine and polar periglacial environments. The results also suggest a new method for dating rock surfaces exposed for <50 years.     

湘桂黔滇藏一线覆盖型岩溶地貌特征与岩溶(双层)夷平面

根据岩溶风化壳的发育条件及研究覆盖型岩溶特征,提出岩溶（双层）夷平面概念,认为研究区覆盖型岩溶是一个统一的岩溶（双层）夷平面的组成部分。其现阶段的存在形式如石林、岩墙等为后期不同程序风化－刻蚀作用的结果;其地貌形态多为土下成因,并随剥蚀程度、裸露时间环境的差异而叠加各种后期气下改造特征。     

阿尔泰山晚新生代以来的古风化壳及其形成时代

阿尔泰山古风化壳研究结果表明，晚新生以来，至少存在两个风化期，形成了不同类型的风化壳，本文阐述这两个风化期的特征及相应形成的风化壳的类型及特点。     

南极石生地衣主要生物风化作用研究进展与展望

地衣以物理、化学方式参与矿质基质的风化作用 ,诱导和加速岩石的风化过程。本文对南极地区表生和内生型地衣的生物风化作用进行了综合论述 ,详细阐述了不同地衣种类诱导和参与几种主要岩石类型 (砂岩类和火成岩类 )风化作用的模式、机制、过程以及产物。同时指出 ,地衣等其他生物因素间接参与的风化过程 ,地衣导致的岩石抗风化效应以及生物风化速率等方面的研究工作是目前南极生物风化作用研究方面的新领域。     

Analysing the influence of upslope bedrock outcrops on shallow landsliding

A model for the prediction of topographic and climatic control on shallow landsliding in mountainous terrain is enhanced to analyse the impact of upslope rocky outcrops on downslope shallow landsliding. The model uses a ‘generalised quasi-dynamic wetness index’ to describe runoff propagation on bare rock surfaces connected to downslope soil-mantled topographic elements. This approach yields a simple enhanced model capable of describing the influence of upslope bedrock outcrops on the pattern of downslope soil saturation. The model is applied in both diagnostic and predictive modes to a small catchment in the eastern Italian Alps for which a detailed inventory of shallow landslides in areas dominated by rocky outcrops is available. In the diagnostic mode, the model is used with satisfactory results to reproduce the pattern of instability generated by an intense short-duration storm occurred on 14 September 1994, which triggered a large percentage of the surveyed landslides. In the predictive mode, the model is used for hazard assessment, and the return time of the critical rainfall needed to cause instability for each topographic element is determined. Modelling results obtained in the predictive mode are evaluated against all the surveyed landslides. It is revealed that the generalised quasi-dynamic model offers considerable improvement over the non-generalised quasi-dynamic model and the steady-state model in predicting existing landslides as represented in the considered landslide inventory.     

基于UCMap的城市环境气候空间格局分析——以广州市为例

城市化的不断深入使城市下垫面发生改变,自然景观的大幅减少与人工建筑的大规模增加,给城市气候与环境带来了巨大影响。城市环境气候图作为分析与调控城市环境气候、评估城市环境气候状况的工具与平台,拓展了城市气候信息在城市规划与发展中的应用。针对目前中国华南地区城市环境气候研究缺乏多要素图层、多技术方法综合分析的现状,充分考虑到不同要素对环境气候影响程度的差异,论文结合已有的城市环境气候图的编制方法,选择典型亚热带季风气候特征的广州市为研究区域,构建了多环境要素、多评估时段、多技术方法的复杂下垫面城市环境气候图系统,利用专业气象插值、遥感反演、GIS空间分析等多种技术手段,对广州市空气质量、热负荷与通风潜力进行分析评估。结果表明：广州空气质量和热负荷具有明显的季节和空间差异性,通风潜力的空间差异性明显而季节变化微弱。通过进一步叠加分析各环境要素,将广州环境气候划分为7种类型,其中最适宜类型主要分布于北部山区林地与城间耕地,最不适宜类型位于天河、越秀、荔湾的城市核心区以及白云、增城的工业密集区,形成“北优南劣”的环境气候空间格局。最后,以环境气候分析结果为基础,提出各气候类型所在区域的简要规划措施,为广州市的可持续发展提供科学建议与建设方向。     

Rock control on microweathering of bedrock surfaces in a periglacial environment

Microweathering of ice-smoothed bedrock surfaces was investigated in the Røldal area of Hardanger Plateau (60°), southern Norway. Postglacial rates of weathering were determined from surface lowering using quartz veins as reference surfaces. Weathering processes are inferred from assessment of weathering rind formation, surface hardness, and the preservation of small-scale glacial erosional features.Surface lowering rates for a range of metamorphic rocks vary from 0.05 to 2.20 mm ka^− 1 and are broadly comparable with those obtained from crystalline rocks in other periglacial environments. The mean rate of surface lowering at 0.55 mm ka^− 1 is low and demonstrates the relatively small impact of microweathering on postglacial landscape evolution. Variations in bedrock microweathering can be explained by lithological variation. Amphibolite and mica-rich bedrock surfaces experience greater denudation and weakening, least weathering rind formation, and abundant preservation of glacial striae, despite greater surface lowering. Conversely, quartz-rich bedrock surfaces are most resistant to denudation and weakening, but have greater weathering rind formation and fewer preserved striae. Postglacial microweathering is achieved primarily through granular disintegration involving detachment and removal of mineral grains and weakening from increased porosity. Granular decomposition is manifest in the formation of weathering rinds. Analysis of interactions between weathering indices indicates that rind accumulation is limited by microerosion.A conceptual model is proposed that illustrates the temporal interrelationships between in situ and erosional facets of microweathering in two contrasting mineral assemblages. The model proposes that cyclic processes of in situ disintegration, decomposition, and erosion are at work. The relative balance between these processes varies with lithology so that in more resistant quartz-rich rocks the net effect is minimal surface lowering and accumulation of weathering rind. In weaker, amphibolitic and micaceous rocks, the net effect is greater surface lowering and minimal accumulation of weathering rind. The results of the research demonstrate the important influence of rock properties, notably mineral composition, in postglacial microweathering of crystalline bedrock in a periglacial environment.     

Rock-weathering by lichens in Antarctic: patterns and mechanisms

Saxicolous species of lichens are able to induce and accelerate weathering of their rock substrate, and effects of lichens on substrate can be attributed to both physical and chemical causes. This paper is focused on biotic weathering actions of epilithic and endolithic species on the different rock types (sandstones and volcanogenic rocks) in Antarctica. The patterns, mechanisms, processes and neoformations of rock-weathering resulting from lichen colonization are expounded in detail. Furthermore, it is pointed out that, for a better understanding of the impacts of lichens on environments, the studies on the rate of biotic weathering and the comprehensive involvement of the lichen effects on weathering of natural rocks remain to be carried out in Antarctica.     

Rock-weathering by lichens in Antarctic: patterns and mechanisms

Saxicolous species of lichens are able to induce and accelerate weathering of their rock substrate, and effects of lichens on substrate can be attributed to both physical and chemical causes. This paper is focused on biotic weathering actions of epilithic and endolithic species on the different rock types (sandstones and volcanogenic rocks) in Antarctica. The patterns, mechanisms, processes and neoformations of rock-weathering resulting from lichen colonization are expounded in detail. Furthermore, it is pointed out that, for a better understanding of the impacts of lichens on environments, the studies on the rate of biotic weathering and the comprehensive involvement of the lichen effects on weathering of natural rocks remain to be carried out in Antarctica.     

SPATIAL PATTERNS AND CAUSES OF MARBLE TOMBSTONE WEATHERING IN WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA

A 9600 km² area of southwestern Pennsylvania with widely varying amounts of historic industrial air pollution contains enough old cemeteries (135) to permit high-resolution mapping of Vermont marble tombstone weathering rates. Mean vertical-slab surface recession rates are as much as eight times greater for urban/industrial areas (maximum 3.0 mm [100 yr]^-1) than for rural areas (minimum 0.4 mm [100 yr]^-1). A damage function relates mean weathering rates to long-term numbers of employees in nearby polluting industries, and shows that even small industrial operations significantly augmented local rates of weathering within several kilometers. Marble stones near short-smokestack industries are significantly more weathered than are those near tall-smokestack, coal-fired electrical power plants. The comparatively high mean rate of marble weathering in small town cemeteries (1.1 mm [100 yr]^-1) suggests that recent acidic precipitation may be dissolving the stones throughout the study region or that pollution from home coal and oil furnaces was high. [Key words: marble tombstone, weathering, industrial air pollution, Pennsylvania.]     

Localized Weathering: Implications for Theoretical and Applied Studies

In situ quantification of localized weathering processes on basalt flows in New Mexico and Hawaii demonstrates that small‐area factors can be more important than other more readily observable factors. Further, it demonstrates that the factorial concept of the Pope Boundary‐Layer weathering model is partially solvable, that organic weathering can accentuate glass weathering (with implications for climate models and storage of nuclear waste), and that silica coatings are not a simple solution for the preservation of stone monuments. Enhancement of glass weathering by lichens on the McCartys flow, El Malpais National Monument, New Mexico, remains restricted to a half‐millimeter directly underneath the lichen‐covered surface. In contrast, although the inorganic rock coating of silica glaze reduces weathering directly underneath the coating by up to nine times rates found in uncoated locales, silica glaze can almost double variability in weathering along its margins.