A mathematical model of spheroidal weathering |
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| Authors: | R S Sarracino G Prasad and M Hoohlo |
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| Institution: | (1) Department of Physics, National University of Lesotho, PO Roma 180, Lesotho Africa;(2) Institute of Southern African Studies, National University of Lesotho, PO Roma 180, Lesotho Africa |
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| Abstract: | A mathematical model is developed to explain the geometrical patterns of spheroidal weathering. The model is then analyzed, and results of computer simulations for the weathering of spherical and ellipsoidal surfaces are presented. Ellipsoids weather initially into ellipsoids of greater or lesser eccentricity, depending on boundary conditions, and finally into spheres. This is in qualitative agreement with the geometry of observed weathering patterns. Some of these features would be difficult to explain by a diffusion model. The weathering of rectangles also is simulated, and they weather into ellipses or circles. These are also in qualitative agreement with observed weathering patterns. |
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| Keywords: | Weathering spheroidal mathematical modeling computer simulation |
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