Hidden erosion: Study reveals soft mountain rock erodes three times faster than hard rock—with climate implications
A University of Massachusetts Amherst-led research team has discovered that weaker rock in mountain landscapes erodes three times faster than harder rock—even on gentler slopes—and is one of the main attributes governing mountain erosion. The finding also challenges our current understanding of the relationship between erosion and the release of carbon dioxide, and suggests that geologists and…
A University of Massachusetts Amherst-led research team has discovered that softer rock in mountain landscapes erodes significantly faster than harder rock, even on gentle slopes. This finding challenges existing knowledge about the relationship between erosion and carbon dioxide release, potentially leading to an underestimation of CO₂ contributions from the Earth's rocky areas.
The research relies on a new technique involving common quartz grains, the isotope beryllium-10, and cosmic rays. This method has enabled scientists to accurately measure erosion rates across various rock types, including shale, which erodes three times faster than harder igneous rock. The study was conducted in Colorado's East River Watershed, which features a mix of durable igneous rock and weaker shale.
The team's new technique revealed that shale's rapid erosion could prolong landscape erosion over millions of years, suggesting that gentle, sedimentary slopes might be responsible for the most intense erosion. This discovery has significant implications for understanding global biogeochemical cycles and climate change, as it may have led to an underestimation of CO₂ emissions from mountainous regions.
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