Weathering kinetics and processes

A major environmental problem facing many areas of the world is that of soil erosion. During erosion, the fine sediment is washed away leaving an armour comprised of larger particles on the soil surface. In the long term, erosion rates are therefore no longer transport limited, and instead are limited by the breakdown or weathering of larger sediment. Our ability to model soil erosion in the long term is seriously hindered by a lack of rock weathering kinetic data. In this study we aim, through laboratory and fieldwork, to study the rates of breakdown of various rock types undergoing weathering. The kinetic models that result and insights we gain into the interplay between the rock structure and the breakdown process will result in an enhanced ability to predict both soil erosion and development.