128 A Tribute to Rodney C. Ewing: Celebrating a Half-Century of Transformative Contributions to Geoscience, Mineralogy, and Material Science

Honoring Prof. Rodney C. Ewing (1946–2024), this session celebrates over 50 years of groundbreaking contributions to mineralogy, geoscience, and materials science, from atomic-scale processes to field-scale applications.

Monday, 20 October 2025
1:30 PM - 5:30 PM
HBGCC, 217A

Pressure Solution of Calcite Surfaces Under Saturated CaCO3 Solution

Paper number: 128-11
Program: Technical Sessions
Time: 4:15 PM – 4:30 PM

Authors

Abstract

Pressure solution, described as dissolution under stress, has been assumed to lead to smoothing of mineral surfaces. Previous Surface Force Apparatus studies on single mica-calcite interfaces pointed out roughening of the calcite surface. However, the mechanism of this reaction remains unclear. This work aims to investigate the mechanism and extents of calcite surface roughening at calcite-mica interface stressed under calcite-saturated water. Atomic force microscopy and profilometry revealed that dissolution left pits and hills, instead of an evenly dissolved surface. This challenges current understanding  that pressure solutions lead to smoothing and raises new questions. The microstructure of the mineral, symmetry of minerals in contact, and fluid contact pathways likely influence the surface roughness. These findings have broad implications for understanding the mechanical and transport properties of rocks under geologic conditions, including in fault zones, carbonate reservoirs, and compaction-driven porosity reduction.

Geological Society of America Abstracts with Programs. Vol. 57, No. 6

doi: 10.1130/abs/2025AM-414253

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