solution (earth science)

In earth science, process by which the minerals in a rock are dissolved in water. Solution is one of the processes of erosion as well as weathering (in which the breakdown of rock occurs without transport of the dissolved material). An example of this is when weakly acidic rainfall dissolves calcite.

Solution commonly affects limestone and chalk, which are both formed of calcium carbonate. It can occur in coastal environments along with corrasion and hydraulic action, producing features like the white cliffs of Dover, as well as fluvial (river) environments, like the one that formed Cheddar Gorge.

Solution is also responsible for the weathering of many buildings, monuments and other structures.