Weathering and the Riverine Denudation of Continents

• Κύριοι συγγραφείς: Depetris, Pedro José (Συγγραφέας), Pasquini, Andrea Inés (Συγγραφέας), Lecomte, Karina Leticia (Συγγραφέας)
• Συγγραφή απο Οργανισμό/Αρχή: SpringerLink (Online service)
• Μορφή: Ηλεκτρονική πηγή Ηλ. βιβλίο
• Γλώσσα: English
• Έκδοση: Dordrecht : Springer Netherlands : Imprint: Springer, 2014.
• Σειρά: SpringerBriefs in Earth System Sciences,
• Θέματα: Earth sciences.; Hydrogeology.; Geobiology.; Geoecology.; Environmental geology.; Earth Sciences.; Biogeosciences.; Geoecology/Natural Processes.

 In this monograph the authors present an overview of the state-of-the-art and use examples or case histories to illustrate the combined role of rock decay and rivers on continental denudation. The Earth’s surface dynamics would not be conceivable without the fundamental component of rock weathering and the subsequent transport of solid debris and dissolved components to the coastal ocean through riverine drainage pathways. In other words, continental wear away is highly dependent on the mechanisms that control mineral decay. Moreover, besides the significant role played by rivers in shaping the Earth’s outer skin, there is the important function that rivers perform in all geochemical cycles, mediating between the lithosphere, the hydrosphere, the biosphere and the hydrosphere. Drainage basins and the weathering of rocks that occur therein may be significant sources (or sinks) of carbon dioxide and, hence, play a significant role in affecting the Earth’s climate. 

 Introduction -- The Commencement of Continental Denudation: Mechanical Weathering -- The Biological Path to Rock Breakdown -- Chemical Weathering Processes at Earth´s Surface -- Weathering: Intensity and Rates -- The Wearing Away of Continents -- Concluding Comments.