Miocene limestone exposed to the weathering effects of the ocean are disolved and eroded to make a facinating landscape east of Tripoli libya. Weathering of limestone involves carbon dioxide and water. Carbon dioxide dissolved in water provides ions that produces free hydrogen. Carbon dioxide in the atmosphere combines with water to form carbonic acid (H
2CO
3):
Though weak, when carbonic acid is combined with a mineral like calcite (CaCO3), an important part of limestone, calcium and bicarbonate ions are removed causing the rock to erode away. The uneven effects of this process create pockets, caves, and crevices seen in the photo.
CaCO3 + H2CO3 -> Ca+2 + 2 HCO-3
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