As ocean water evaporates, it form clouds, which condenses and precipitates rain.
As rain water falls it encounters carbon dioxide and reacts with it to form a mild acid (Carbonic Acid).
CO2 + H2O = H2CO3
Thus as rain water comes into contact with limestone in the earth, the limestone dissolves and goes into solution with the water.
CaCO3 + H2CO3 = Ca + 2 HCO3
Surface waters also encounter carbon dioxide from the decay of organic materials.
As these waters contact limestone, the limestone gradually dissolves and goes into solution.
As rain water falls it encounters carbon dioxide and reacts with it to form a mild acid (Carbonic Acid).
CO2 + H2O = H2CO3
Thus as rain water comes into contact with limestone in the earth, the limestone dissolves and goes into solution with the water.
CaCO3 + H2CO3 = Ca + 2 HCO3
Surface waters also encounter carbon dioxide from the decay of organic materials.
As these waters contact limestone, the limestone gradually dissolves and goes into solution.