A LABORATORY PROTOCOL ON THE GEOLOGY EXPERIMENT CARRIED OUT BY BELGIAN  STUDENTS OF ZAVO (ZAVENTEM)

The influence of acid rain on Limburg marl

Introduction:

Limburg marl is a type of chalkstone, indigenous to Dutch and Belgian Limburg. Geologically speaking it is not marl per sé. Most marl is a combination of chalk and clay whereas Limburg marl is about 98% carbonated chalk and 2% other materials. Its name comes from the latin ‘marga’ under which Romans catogarized all non-hardened lime sediments. 

Limburg marl is often used by sculptors and was once a favorite stone in building. The stone is rather soft but under the right circumstances it can be strong. However, modern technology (cars, etc) have proven to be a challenge for buildings made up out of Limburg marl.

hypothesis:

Limburg marl will suffer decay under the influence of acid rain.

procedure and safety:

necessary equipment:

  • 2 pieces of Limburg marl
  • safety goggles
  • 2 measuring cups
  • ½ liter of acid rain
  • ½ liter of normal water

steps:

  1. fill out both measuring cups with either acid rain and one with normal water
  2. make a similar mark on both pieces of Limburg marl
  3. place both pieces in said measuring cups
  4. make sure both are submerged to the same degree
  5. time the exposure
  6. remove both pieces and compare the pieces to see if any decay is visible

outcome:

An unexpected outcome occurred when the acid rain was absorbed into the piece of Limburg marl while the normal water was not. Since both pieces were from the same slab of Limburg marl we were not able to provide a sufficient explanation for this occurrence.