Rain-driven dissolution

A block dissolving into a liquid can adopt different shapes depending on the forcing. The dissolution dynamics depend on the solute transport, which in many cases is controlled by the liquid flow [1-5]. This flow may be imposed externally or buoyancy driven by the dissolution itself that leads to density (concentration) stratifications. Here we address the dissolution of a block when exposed to a rainfall. I will show and compare the results of laboratory experiments and of numerical simulations based on a simplified model, and question natural cases like the limestone forests.

[1] Wykes, M.S.D., et al. Self-sculpting of a dissolvable body due to gravitational convection. Phys. Rev. Fluids, 2018.

[2] Cohen, C., et al. Buoyancy-driven dissolution of inclined blocks: Erosion rate and pattern formation. Phys. Rev. Fluids, 2020.

[3] Guérin, A., et al. Streamwise dissolution patterns created by a flowing water film. Phys. Rev. Lett., 2020.

[4] Mac Huang, J., et al. Ultra-sharp pinnacles sculpted by natural convective dissolution. P.N.A.S., 2020.

[5] Pegler, S. and Wykes, M.S.D. The convective Stefan problem: shaping under natural convection. Journal of Fluid Mechanics, 2021.