A Simulation Study of Salt Weathering in Hot Deserts

ABSTRACT

A brief experiment is described in which breakdown of a bedded sandstone is induced using a diurnal regime of heating and cooling between 53° and 21°C, combined with exposure to 10 % salt solutions. The experiment differs from predecessors in that moisutre absorption and loss is directed through one exposed surface. By doing this flaking parallel to the exposed surface is generated which resembles that described on salt-weathered surfaces in hot deserts. A variety of salt solutions is used, but results suggest that the orientation of bedding planes with respect to the exposed surface may exert a considerable control upon both nature and rate of breakdown.