| Abstract: | In order to investigate the rate of dissolution of gypsiferous rocks under natural conditions in streams of the Ebro river basin, 55 dissolution trials were carried out with spheres of alabastrine gypsum placed in flowing water. Experimental conditions involved flow velocities between 0·3 and 1·2 m s?1, electrical conductivities between 0·3 and 1·9 dS m?1, and the saturation indices of gypsum between ?2·1 and ?0·33. Mean values of dissolution rate obtained vary from 104 to 226 gm?2 h?1. This loss of mass corresponded to a volume of gypsum of between 393 and 853mmm?2 year?1. The factors most affecting the dissolution of gypsum are in descending order of importance: flow velocity > electrical conductivity > gypsum saturation. |
