limestone dissolution

Limestone dissolution occurs when rainwater, which contains carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, combines with the limestone (mainly calcium carbonate). This chemical reaction forms a weak acid called carbonic acid, which slowly reacts with the limestone, breaking it down into smaller pieces and dissolving it over time. This process creates features like caves, sinkholes, and underground channels. Factors like acidity, water flow, and temperature influence how quickly limestone dissolves. Essentially, rainwater acts as a natural solvent, gradually eroding limestone landscapes through chemical reactions.