Seasonality in Moisture Dynamics in the Walls of the rock-cut Churches in Lalibela, Ethiopia: Implications for Weathering

Moisture plays a key role in rock decay the built and natural environments. Rock-cut sites are particularly vulnerable to moisture-related weathering as they carved into outcrops do not have impermeable foundations or roofs retard flow of moisture. To characterise moisture dynamics its influence on rock-cut sites, we undertook monitoring campaign using non-destructive Microwave Measurement System (MMMS) at two monolithic churches Lalibela, Ethiopia. The results showed that walls were more saturated depth than surface during wet season. This suggests low temperature higher content will lead constant-rate drying accumulation salts In dry season, there was saturation near (falling-rate drying). High season contributes subsurface below surface. seasonally shifting complex dynamic damage profile. study highlights significant wetting facilitated by lack structures rainy periods.