The Solution Rate of Limestone Tablets and CO2 Measurements in Limestone Areas of Japan

Abstract

In order to clarify the main factors for karstification in the world, comparative measurements of the solution rate of lithologically identical limestone tablets are being carried out in several countries of the world. In this study, seven measurement points ranging from north (Hokkaido), to south (Minamidaito Island), were chosen in Japan. At each point, the solution rates of limestone tablets in air and in soil were observed. In addition, the water balances were calculated and the CO₂ contents of the soils were measured. In 1993, the annual mean air temperature was low and annual precipitation was above normal. The solution rates of limestone tablets in 1993 were high at all measurement points. In 1994, when a dry period prevailed, the CO₂ contents of the soils were low, and solution rates of limestone were low, especially in the southern parts of Japan. The solution rates of limestone tablets in the soil B2 horizon show a high correlation coefficient with annual precipitation and soil CO₂ level.