Weathering of the Delos marble and granite: Role of the polluted atmospheric and natural marine environment

The principal forms of weathering found on the marble and granite remains o n Delos are described and the physico-chemical mechanisms of their developm ent are explained by the environmental processes which gave rise to their f ormation. Two main factors were revealed: marine salts and atmospheric pollution. Cyc les of dissolution and crystallisation of these salts lead to exfoliation, disaggregation and pitting. They are caused by the evaporation of solutions migrating from the soil through capilliary action and the solvation of the salts deposited on the stones by sea spray. Atmospheric pollution increase s the processes of dissolution and formation of brown crusts.