In
structural geology
Structural geology is the study of the three-dimensional distribution of rock units with respect to their deformational histories. The primary goal of structural geology is to use measurements of present-day rock geometries to uncover informati ...
and
diagenesis, pressure solution or pressure dissolution is a
deformation mechanism that involves the
dissolution of minerals at
grain-to-grain contacts into an
aqueous
An aqueous solution is a solution in which the solvent is water. It is mostly shown in chemical equations by appending (aq) to the relevant chemical formula. For example, a solution of table salt, also known as sodium chloride (NaCl), in wat ...
pore fluid in areas of relatively high
stress and either deposition in regions of relatively low stress within the same rock or their complete removal from the rock within the fluid. It is an example of
diffusive mass transfer.
The detailed
kinetics of the process was reviewed by Rutter (1976), and since then such kinetics has been used in
many applications in earth sciences.
Occurrence
Evidence for pressure solution has been described from sedimentary rocks that have only been affected by
compaction. The most common example of this is
bedding plane parallel
stylolites developed in
carbonates.
In a tectonic manner, deformed rocks also show evidence of pressure solution including stylolites at a high angle to bedding. The process is also thought to be an important part of the development of
cleavage.
Theoretical models
A theoretical model was formulated by Rutter, and a recent mathematical analysis was carried out, leading
to the so-called Fowler–Yang equations,
which can explain the transition behaviour of pressure solution.
See also
*
Fick's laws of diffusion
*
Fold (geology)
In structural geology, a fold is a stack of originally planar surfaces, such as sedimentary rock, sedimentary stratum, strata, that are bent or curved (''"folded"'') during permanent deformation (engineering), deformation. Folds in rocks vary i ...
*
Rock microstructure
*
Stylolite
*
Terzaghi's principle
Terzaghi's Principle states that when stress is applied to a porous material, it is opposed by the fluid pressure filling the pores in the material.
Karl von Terzaghi introduced the idea in a series of papers in the 1920s based on his examination ...
References
Limestone
Petrology
Sedimentary rocks
Structural geology
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