8 June 2016

Differential weathering in dolostone – a virtual sample

Posted by Callan Bentley

Our series of  virtual samples continues! This week, I’m presenting examples of a visualization combination that leverages the advantages of the GIGAmacro system with the 3D ‘virtual sample’ perspective of the Sketchfab-hosted model: the same sample presented in both formats.

Today, we feature a differentially weathered dolostone.

Link GIGAmacro by Callan Bentley

Photoscan model by Marissa Dudek

Differential weathering (i.e., different rates of weathering for different substances subject to the same conditions) is an important control on geomorphic features. The mountain range where I live, for instance, only exists because of differential weathering of quartz sandstone (weathers slowly) relative to carbonate and shale (which weather relatively rapidly). Here’s that same process in microcosm.