Matu 11 limestone features 1

Limestone Features

To be able to explain the formation of limestone features

Can you describe Limestone?

Limestone is a sedimentary rock

Can you explain how Limestone formed?

• Include....

–Tropical–Sea Creatures–Sedimentation–Compression–Lithification–Uplift–Joints–Bedding planes

The main features of LimestoneGroup Teach - Notes

• Structure

• Permeability

• Vulnerability

Jura Mountains (1)

Jura Mountains (2)

Doline

Press play on the animations below to seedifferent ways in which limestone is weathered.

Limestone landscapes

Unlike some other forms of limestone, carboniferous limestone is very hard. It has been usedas a building material for thousands of years.

Carboniferous limestone was even used to build the Great Pyramid of Giza, which is the only wonder of the ancient world still standing. It is over 4,500 years old.

Limestone properties

Gravestone from south-east England

This gravestone is also made out of carboniferous limestone. It has only been around for 300 years – but it’s not in as good shape. There is even a holeright through the middle.

Limestone properties

Carboniferous limestone is made up of calcium carbonate (CaCO3). Calcium carbonate is vulnerable to chemical solution, a form of chemical weathering caused by rainfall.

When rainwater absorbs carbon dioxide, it formscarbonic acid (H2CO3). This is a weak acid which over time will dissolve limestone to produce various exotic features. This process is known as chemical solution or limestone solution.

Limestone weathering

The Main Limestone Feature – Identify, Diagrams and explanations...

• Surface• Swallow Holes

• Limestone Pavement (Clints and Grykes)

• Dry Valleys

• Gorge (collapsed Cavern)

• Doline/ Sink Hole

• Spring/ Resurgence

• Underground• Caverns

• Stalactites and Stalagmites (Pillars)

Extension....

• Devise a 10 question quiz for the class on Limestone features. All questions must be True/ False answers.....

Name the landforms

• A Question of Limestone......