Periglacial processes - Chemical weathering

Question 1

Give two chemical weathering periglacial processes?

Answer 1

• Carbonation
• Hydrolysis

Question 2

Describe the process of carbonation?

Answer 2

Carbon dioxide is more soluble at lower temperatures. Water combines with carbon dioxide to produce carbonic acid. This reacts with calcium carbonate in rocks, such as limestone, to produce calcium bicarbonate, which is removed in solution.

Question 3

Which features are associated with carbonation?

Answer 3

Carbonation is one of the key processes responsible for the formation of nivation hollows.

Question 4

Describe the process of hydrolysis?

Answer 4

The reaction between some rock minerals with water occurs because of the abundance of water in summer months and the availability of acids released by vegetation. In areas of granite geology, water mixes with feldspar, producing potassium hydroxide which is removed in solution.

Question 5

What is the impact of hydrolysis?

Answer 5

Hydrolysis changes the chemical composition of rocks rather than creates a distinctive landform feature.