A New Conceptual Model for Understanding Geographical Variations in Weathering
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
1-1-1995
Abstract
The prevailing theory used to explain geographical variability in weathering is based on visual correlations with climatic regions. For instance, mechanical weathering is assumed to predominate in warm and cold deserts. Yet this visual perspective fails to account for a diversity and quantity of data at the mineral‐atmosphere‐hydrosphere‐biosphere interface where weathering processes actually occur. To address these discrepancies, a new model is proposed which views geographical variability in weathering as a function of synergistic biological, chemical, and physical processes that are controlled by factors that vary at the microscopic weathering boundary‐layer. The new multivariate model better explains weathering observations at hygroscopic, capillary, pedogenic, landform, and landscape scales.
DOI
10.1111/j.1467-8306.1995.tb01794.x
MSU Digital Commons Citation
Pope, Greg; Dorn, Ronald I.; and Dixon, John C., "A New Conceptual Model for Understanding Geographical Variations in Weathering" (1995). Department of Earth and Environmental Studies Faculty Scholarship and Creative Works. 118.
https://digitalcommons.montclair.edu/earth-environ-studies-facpubs/118