Solution
Topic: Geomorphic Processes: Weathering, Mass Movement, Erosion and Soil Formation · NCERT: Class 11, Ch 5 "Geomorphic Processes"; Class 11, Ch 6 "Landforms and their Evolution"
Meaning
Solution is a type of chemical weathering. Minerals dissolve in water or weak acids and are carried away. Rock salt and gypsum dissolve easily in plain water. Limestone dissolves when the water carries a little acid. As the dissolved material is removed, rock is lost and hollows open up. Where limestone dissolves on a large scale, it produces karst topography: caves, sinkholes and disappearing streams.
Example
The limestone hills of Meghalaya, such as those around Cherrapunji (Sohra) in East Khasi Hills district, have long cave systems. Heavy rainwater dissolved the rock over a very long time.
Don't confuse with
- Carbonation: it is a special step in which carbonic acid first turns limestone into soluble bicarbonate. Solution simply means the mineral dissolves.