Chapter 5 - Weathering In The Burren Flashcards
What’s carbonation ??
When rainwater dissolves soluble limestone
As water passes through the atmosphere it takes in carbon dioxide and then becomes a weak carbonic acid. This acid reacts with calcium carbonate in limestone causing the limestone to be dissolved slowly
Limestone is permeable. Explain
This means that limestone allows water to pass through it. It is easy for this rainwater to pass through the many vertical cracks and bedding planes in limestone
Where is the burren??
In north county Clare
What is a karst area??
A karst area is a place where the soluble limestone is exposed at the surface
What is a clint??
A clint is a block of limestone
What is a grike ??
Gripes are deep grooves in the pavement
They were once narrow vertical joints until they were widened by rainwater weathering
What’s a swallow hole ??
How’s it formed ??
A swallow hole is a large hole formed when the rainwater widens the grikes until they eventually become a large vertical hole
What’s a passage??
Passages are long tunnels formed by underground water dissolving the limestone
What are underground features ??
Stalagmites
Stalactites
Caves
Pillars
How’s a pillar formed ??
A pillar is formed when a stalactite and stalagmite join together
What is a stalagmite ??
A stalagmite are on the floor they are formed when drops of calcium fall through the roof onto the ground and build up
What’s a stalactite ??
A stalactite is hanging from the roof it is formed when calcium builds up on the roof and eventually change to a stalactite
Who is attracted to the burren ??
Geographers - study the rock
Botanists - study the flowers and plants
Tourists- to explore the unusual scenery
Cavern - to explore the underground caves
What are the six national parks of Ireland ??
Wicklow national park The burren national park Connemara national park (Galway) Ballycroy national park (mayo) Glenveagh national park (Donegal) Killarney national park (Kerry)
