Chemical Weathering: Carbonation

Carbonation

Chemical weathering process dissolving rock with weak carbonic acid

Limestone

Soft sedimentary rock composed of calcium carbonate from fossils

Strata

Layers of rock formed by sediment and dead sea creatures

Bedding planes

Horizontal cracks separating layers of limestone

Joints

Vertical cracks in limestone allowing water to pass through

Permeable

Property of limestone allowing water to dissolve calcium carbonate

Erosion

Process of wearing away limestone by weak acids in river water

Swallow hole

Hole formed by river erosion through limestone

Plunge pool

Pool at the base of a cave formed by river erosion

Carbonic acid

Weak acid formed when rain combines with carbon dioxide

Grikes

Deepened weaker parts of limestone surface from acid dissolution

Clints

Slabs of limestone between grikes on limestone pavement

Karst landscapes

Areas with bare limestone pavement due to carbonation

Burren

National Park in Co. Clare known for varied limestone landscape

UNESCO Global Geopark

Area recognized for geological heritage and sustainable development

Flora and fauna

Plant and animal life in an ecosystem

Arctic-alpine plants

Plants growing in the Burren alongside Mediterranean plants

Spring gentians

Deep-blue flowers growing in grikes of the Burren

Feral goats

Wild goats found in the Burren

Stoat

Animal species inhabiting the Burren

Leave No Trace

Principle of sustainable tourism to preserve natural areas