Carbonation is a chemical weathering process that occurs when carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere reacts with water (H2O) to form carbonic acid (H2CO3), which can then react with minerals in rocks to form new compounds. Carbonation is particularly effective on rocks that contain calcium carbonate (CaCO3), such as limestone and marble.
The carbonic acid that forms during carbonation reacts with the calcium carbonate in the rock to form calcium bicarbonate (Ca(HCO3)2), which is soluble in water. This process dissolves the rock over time, creating underground caves, sinkholes, and other unique geological features.
Carbonation is an important natural process that helps to regulate the Earth’s carbon cycle by removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and storing it in the form of calcium bicarbonate. However, excessive carbonation can lead to the breakdown and erosion of rock formations, which can have negative impacts on the environment and human infrastructure. Carbonation is also a key process in the formation of many mineral resources, including limestone, dolomite, and some types of ore deposits.
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