Can the weathering indices such as CIA, CIW, MWPI, Vogt Ratio, and WI be used to calculate the weathering intensity of non-silicate rocks? If so, what changes to the equations would be considered, specifically when it comes to the CaO?
Thanks in advance!
Dear Mr. Amores,
I can only give a stark warning to carry out analyses without a proper knowledge of the parent rocks. Because of the different capabilities of minerals to resist supergene alteration I recommed a combination of mineralogy and chemistry in context with a careful examination of the litholog under consideration from the fresh/unaltered rock through the topsoil. You will get numbers which you may believe or not. In your case I give you a rough scheme of the minerals which you may find in the calcareous parent rock and and the weathering mantle
calcite
Mg calcite (MgCO3 = 0 to 6 %; > 11 % at T values > 15°C and higher- up 40 %)
ferroan calcite (reducing environment)
dolomite
ferroan dolomite/ ankerite (reducing environment, late diagenetic)
siderite (reducing environment, late diagenetic)
collophanite/ hydroxyl-apatite
clay minerals (e.g,. illite, smectite, sepiolite, glauconite...)
alkaline feldspar
siliceous compounds (derived from spicules, radiolarian tests, diatoms
sulfate (gypsum, celestit)
cklorides (halite)
Fe oxide-hydrates
In addition to your chemical approach in mind I advice you to consult at least a textbook on karstification. It is insufficient only to take a look at the topmost part of the carbonate series.
I wish you much success.
H.G.Dill
Hi!
I'm working with several different rock types, both silicate and non-silicate included. Here is a list of all the rock types I am working on (see attached image). I admit that I am not that familiar with the field details of the rocks, as I am working on a database with lithologic classification based only on geologic maps.
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