Marble Tombstone Weathering

Meierding department of geography and center for climatic research university of delaware newark de 19716 fax 302 831 8273 e mail buc18279 um udel edu abstract.

Marble tombstone weathering. Dragovitch 1986 an excellent source of data for tombstone weathering in two different cities. In many graveyards the head stones are aligned with the engraved side facing to the east. If the marble headstone is in good condition proceed to the next step. Therefore in west yorkshire the back of the headstone faces the prevailing winds so should be more weathered.

Marble for example is assumed to decay mainly through dissolution by acidic rainfall natural rainfall is slightly acidic being a weak carbonic acid with a ph of 5 6. Maps of surface recession rates measured from 8 438 century old vermont marble tombstones at 320 cemeteries. Physical weathering is the toll put on rocks by processes like frost ice splitting abrasion from things hitting it plant roots decompression at the surface remember most rocks are formed. Studying rock types weathering processes and human history in a cemetery.

The booming and polluted metropolis of sydney and wollongong where pollution rates haven t changed much. Thaw weathering as temperatures fall faster in the open air than under trees. Marble tombstone weathering and air pollution in north america thomas c. Since marble is vulnerable to wear and tear marble headstones that have cracks and signs of aging should be left as is because cleaning can weaken the marble further and result in more serious damage.

Weathering rates of marble in urban environments eastern australia. Aspect is the compass direction in which the headstones face.