Anisovolumetric weathering in granitic saprolite controlled by climate and erosion rate

Abstract Erosion at Earth’s surface exposes underlying bedrock to climate-driven chemical and physical weathering, transforming it into a porous, ecosystem-sustaining substrate consisting of weathered bedrock, saprolite, soil. Weathering in saprolite is typically quantified from bulk geochemistry assuming strain negligible. However, modeling measurements suggest that may be common, therefore anisovolumetric weathering widespread. To explore this possibility, we the fraction porosity produced by FPP, three sites with differing climates granitic Sierra Nevada, California, USA. We found produces more than mass loss each site, indicative strongly weathering. expand scope our study, FPP using available volumetric data spanning broader range erosion rates. case ≥0.12, widespread Multiple regression shows differences precipitation rate explain 94% variance >98% land has conditions promote saprolite. Our work indicates norm, rather exception, highlights importance climate as drivers subsurface