Which term describes the dissolving in water of soluble rock, such as limestone, also described as solution?

Which term describes the dissolving in water of soluble rock, such as limestone, also described as solution?

• A. Erosion
• B. Weathering
• C. Corrosion
• D. Dissolution

Answer: (C)

The dissolving of soluble rock like limestone in water is chemical weathering called dissolution. When water, especially slightly acidic rainwater containing dissolved CO2, interacts with calcium carbonate in limestone, the minerals dissolve to form ions that are carried away in solution. This process changes the rock in place and leads to features like caves and karst landscapes. Erosion describes the removal and transport of broken rock, while weathering covers the broader breakdown in place (not necessarily dissolved). Corrosion is terminology more often used for metals. Since the question notes “also described as solution,” dissolution is the precise term for this rock-dissolving process.

The dissolving of soluble rock like limestone in water is chemical weathering called dissolution. When water, especially slightly acidic rainwater containing dissolved CO2, interacts with calcium carbonate in limestone, the minerals dissolve to form ions that are carried away in solution. This process changes the rock in place and leads to features like caves and karst landscapes. Erosion describes the removal and transport of broken rock, while weathering covers the broader breakdown in place (not necessarily dissolved). Corrosion is terminology more often used for metals. Since the question notes “also described as solution,” dissolution is the precise term for this rock-dissolving process.