Abstract
A review of sandstone weathering research, particularly in the past 100 years, reveals a trajectory of enquiry from early description and classification of features, to development of process-based explanations, to decreasing scales of investigation, and a disparity between understanding of process(es) and explanations of the genesis of sandstone weathering features. Developments in expositions on mesoscale weathering features on sandstone surfaces are discussed, demonstrating a range of approaches to weathering phenomena - field-based and laboratory-based - that must be linked to provide an explanation of observed features on a landform scale. Throughout the twentieth century, a thematic chronology highlights certain trends in research: description of forms, often in arid and semi-arid environments; single process-form models; an emphasis on experimentation; difficulties in measuring weathering rates; and a persistent emphasis on physical causes of breakdown. A new research agenda is promoted in which biodeterioration and chemical processes gain parity, a holistic approach based on conceptual modeling of weathering systems gains prominence, and scale issues are addressed more rigorously.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 229-253 |
Number of pages | 25 |
Journal | Geomorphology |
Volume | 67 |
Issue number | 1-2 SPEC. ISS. |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Apr 1 2005 |
Keywords
- Sandstone
- Weathering
- Weathering geomorphology
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Earth-Surface Processes