In Florida, the most common form of chemical weathering is carbonation. Carbonation is the process of the reaction of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere with water to form carbonic acid. Carbonic acid is a weak acid, but it can slowly dissolve the minerals in rocks and soils, such as calcium carbonate and magnesium carbonate. This process is responsible for the formation of karst topography in Florida, which is characterized by the presence of sinkholes, caves, and underground drainage systems.
Another form of chemical weathering that occurs in Florida is oxidation. Oxidation is the process of the reaction of oxygen in the atmosphere with minerals in rocks and soils. This process can cause the minerals to change color, become weaker, and eventually break down. Oxidation is responsible for the formation of iron oxide minerals, commonly known as rust, which are found in many soils and rocks in Florida.
The combined effects of carbonation and oxidation, along with other chemical weathering processes, gradually break down rocks and minerals in Florida. The resulting smaller particles are then easily transported by wind and water, contributing to erosion.