Mechanism of Karst Formation in Sulfate Rocks

For understanding the effects of ambient temperature, water flow rate, and pH of water on the dissolution of sulfate rocks, the present work aims at studying the mechanism of sulfate rock dissolution through laboratory experiments. The results suggest that each experimental factor has a different effect on the dissolution of sulfate rock. High temperature caused the transformation of the sulfate minerals, resulting in the dissolution of sulfate rocks. At high water flow rate solutions remain under-saturated with respect to sulfate mineral phases resulting in an increase of dissolution rates. The sulfate karst formation is different from carbonate karst, i. e. the water is corrosive with regards to the sulfate rock system even in the absence of CO2 in the system. The results will give an insight into the mechanism of karst with respect to the coexistence of sulfate and carbonate rocks.