Cavernous weathering produces pits and hollows on rock surfaces. Water catches in irregularities and begins a chemical breakdown of the rock into clay. This clay holds more moisture and produces an even larger amount of breakdown in the rock. As the pit becomes larger it can produce shade, cooling the retained water and occasionally freezing, as well as fostering lichen growth. These processes promote both the chemical and mechanical breakdown of the rock.
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Cavernous Weathering
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