The Role of Calcite Dissolution and Halite Thermal Expansion as Secondary Salt Weathering Mechanisms of Calcite-Bearing Rocks in Marine Environments

This research focuses on the analysis of influence two secondary salt weathering processes durability rocks exposed to marine environments: chemical dissolution rock forming minerals and differential thermal expansion between halite hosting rock. These are scarcely treated in compared crystallisation. The methodology followed this paper includes both situ monitoring laboratory simulations. Four different calcite-bearing (a marble, a microcrystalline limestone calcarenites) were during year semiarid environment. Exposed samples show grain detachment, crystal edge corrosion, efflorescences microfissuring. Crystal corrosion was also observed after simulation brine immersion test. Calcite causes negligible porosity increase all studied rocks, but significant modification their pore size distribution. Laboratory simulations demonstrate deterioration salt-saturated cycles climatic cabinet. Sharp differences linear pure justify registered weight loss cycles. feedback expansion, crystallisation halite, contribute actively decay environments.