In situ quantification of localizedweathering processes on basalt flows inNewMexico andHawaii 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 organicweathering can accentuate glassweathering (with implications for clim...

As chemical weathering of silicate rocks acts as a sink for atmospheric CO2 and as greenhouse effect gases such as CO2 have a leading role in climate regulation, much of river geochemical studies now focus on chemical and mechanical riverine erosion and on their controlling parameters. Moreover, weathering has probably had a dominating influence in the climatic evolution of the Earth, and studi...

We explore the contribution of fractures (joints) in controlling the rate of weathering advance for a low-porosity rock by using methods of homogenization to create averaged weathering equations. The rate of advance of the weathering front can be expressed as the same rate observed in non-fractured media (or in an individual block) divided by the volume fraction of nonfractured blocks in the fr...

SIMULATION OF 3D MODEL, SHAPE, AND APPEARANCE AGING BY PHYSICAL, CHEMICAL, BIOLOGICAL, ENVIRONMENTAL, AND WEATHERING EFFECTS Joseph T. Kider Jr. Supervisor : Norman I. Badler Physical, chemical, biological, environmental, and weathering effects produce a range of 3D model, shape, and appearance changes. Time introduces an assortment of aging, weathering, and decay processes such as dust, mold, ...

Space weathering is the generic term used for processes that modify the optical properties of surfaces of atmosphereless rocky bodies under exposure to the space environment. The general agreement about the relevance of the effects of space weathering on the spectral properties of S-complex asteroids fails when some basic quantitative estimates are attempted. In particular, there is severe disa...

Evidence of fresh oil from the BP/Deepwater Horizon Mississippi Canyon-252 (MC-252) well was found in the northern Gulf of Mexico up to 1 year and 10 months after it was capped on 15 July 2010. Offshore and coastal samples collected after capping displayed ratios of biomarkers matching those of MC-252 crude oil. Pre- and post-capping samples were compared. Little weathering had occurred, based ...