Carboniferous Limestone Alkaline Calcium Carbonate reacts with

acidic rainwater (carbonic acid) to remove

limestone in solution

Joint A raised platform of rock protected from

chemical weathering by large boulders
deposited by glaciers

Bedding Plane Rivers carve valleys over limestone terrain

when the ground is frozen. When temperatures
rise, permafrost will melt and the running
water disappears through gaps in the rock

Stalactite Joints and bedding planes are weathered as

rainwater passes through limestone. Where
these are closest together, a large
underground hollow will be created.

Stalagmite Well jointed rocks like limestone are

susceptible to freeze-thaw weathering,
removing pieces of rock which collect at
the foot of slopes (talus)

Limestone Pavement Streams flowing from impermeable rock to

the permeable limestone weather the gaps
in the rock surface creating large hollows,
eventually finding their way underground

Permeable Large Rocks deposited by glaciers, often

many miles from their original location.
These help us calculate the rate of
limestone weathering.
Scar Formed in shallow seas during warmer periods
where shellfish remains have been compacted
into layers. These layers are now visible above
sea level due to tectonic forces.

Erratic Earth movements have caused stresses on

limestone, resulting in vertical cracks
throughout the rock which allow water to
pass through it.

Pot Hole The horizontal layers present in limestone,

a sedimentary rock formed on the seabed
from the remains of shellfish.

Scree Water passing through limestone loses

oxygen and will precipitate calcite deposits
on the roof of a cavern, forming finger like
features.

Cavern Calcite deposits from dripping water will

build up on the floor of a cavern, forming
large irregular mounds.

Dry Valley A series of rectangular blocks (clints)

dissected by wide gaps (grykes) created
when exposed surface limestone is
weathered along joints.

Plinth Rock which allows water to pass through

gaps in its surface. This water often
resurfaces as emergent streams.

Chemical Weathering An exposed limestone cliff with clearly

defined joints and bedding planes.
Particularly prone to physical weathering.