Question

Some of the minerals found in rocks dissolve in water as it flows over the rocks. would these minerals dissolve more quickly

a. at the bottom of a waterfall or in a still pond? why?
b. in a cold mountain stream or in the warmer water downstream? why?
c. over large rocks or over sand composed of the same material? why?

Answer 1

A. Minerals would dissolve faster at the bottom of a waterfall than at a still pond because the water is more turbulent at the base of the waterfall. The turbulent water has more energy and would facilitate faster dissolution of minerals.

B. Minerals would dissolve faster in warmer water downstream because the warm water would speed up the rate of dissolution.


C. Minerals in the sand would dissolve faster because the sand is in small grains and so more surface area is available for dissolution.