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Roots of trees contribute significantly to weathering of the underlying bedrock. Roots may exudate acidic chemicals, which speed up the dissolution of limestone. They also create strong mechanical forces that may break up the rocks. Merkez (Mersin), Türkiye; 24 April 2015. |
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Plants growing in crevices of rocks speed up the process of weathering, by exuding acidic chemicals. From left to right, Umbilicus spec., Adiantum capillus-veneris, and Hyoscyamus aureus. Merkez (Mersin), Türkiye; 24 April 2015. |
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Lichens also excrete acidic chemicals, increasing the speed of weathering the rock surface. The lichen dies of from the center outward, exposing the etched rock. Bozkir (Konya), 27 April 2015. |
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These photos show various aspects of weathering. First, the major features are the result of torrential water flows, carving their way into the limestone. To date's water stream is very tame, and other processes now also contribute to weathering. Various plants grow on the walls of the gorge, and bees excavate their nests. Though their impact may be small compared to that of physical forces, the biological component does speed up the weathering processes. Birecik (Şanliurfa), Türkiye; 12 June 2011. |
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Glaciers polish the containing bedrock, literally grinding rocks. When a glacier retreats, the tell-tale signs of this polishing are easily identified. Top: Rhone glacier, Switzerland; 20 July 2007. Bottom: Brekkhus (Hordaland), Norway; 24 July 2016. |
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These photos show the signature marks of strong water flow. The slightly acidic rain water dissolves lime stone, more so where the water flow is most vigorous. Any small unevenness in the surface will make the water start swirling, which enhances dissolution. As a result, deep troughs are carved out in the lime stone bed. Birecik (Şanliurfa), Türkiye; 12 June 2011. |
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The honeycomb pattern is the result of differential weathering of various constituents of the rock. Ortahisar (Nevşehir), Türkiye; 30 April 2015. |