Abstract
The dissolution of rocks by rainfall commonly generates streamwise parallel channels, yet the occurrence of these natural patterns remains to be understood. Here, we report the emergence in the laboratory of a streamwise dissolution pattern at the surface of an initially flat soluble material, inclined and subjected to a thin runoff water flow. Nearly parallel grooves about 1 mm wide and directed along the main slope spontaneously form. Their width and depth increase continuously with time until their crests emerge and channelize the flow. Our observations may constitute the early stage of the patterns observed in the field.
- Received 7 July 2020
- Accepted 2 October 2020
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.125.194502
© 2020 American Physical Society
Physics Subject Headings (PhySH)
Focus
Experiments Duplicate Mysterious Rock Patterns
Published 6 November 2020
Rainwater runoff can erode the surface of a water-soluble rock, scarring it with hundreds of parallel channels.
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