Measure dissolution using lab masses or stream chemistry. Choose units, correct temperature, and compare scenarios. Download tables, keep notes, and share clear outputs today.
| Method | Area | Time | Key input | Example output |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mass-loss | 0.10 m² | 7 days | 100 g → 98.2 g | ~9.386 g/m²/yr |
| Solute-flux | 2.00 m² | 1 day | 25 mg/L, 1.2 L/s | ~0.0000025 mol/m²/s |
| Retreat | 1.00 m² | 2 years | 0.35 mm, 2.65 g/cm³ | ~0.175 mm/yr |
These are illustrative examples. Use your own measurements for meaningful results.
Effective reactive area: Aeff = A × frough
Mass-loss method: Loss = (minitial − mfinal) − mblank, Rate = Loss ÷ (Aeff × t)
Solute-flux method: Fluxsolute = C × Q, Rate = (Fluxsolute × s) ÷ Aeff where s is a stoichiometric factor.
Thickness retreat method: Rateretreat = Δh ÷ t, mass rate uses ρ: Ratemass = (ρ × Δh) ÷ t.
Arrhenius normalization (optional): k(Tref) = k(T) × exp( −Ea/R × (1/Tref − 1/T) ) (temperatures in kelvin).
Weathering rate links mineral breakdown to water chemistry, soil evolution, and carbon cycling. It is also used to evaluate nutrient release and contaminant mobility from solids exposed to water. In laboratories it supports tests for stone, glass, and slags. In catchments it helps compare lithologies and climate regimes. A consistent rate metric lets you benchmark interventions, detect anomalies, and communicate uncertainty to stakeholders.
This calculator supports three common pathways. Mass-loss uses before-and-after dry masses and a blank correction to isolate true material removal. Include replicate coupons when possible to quantify variability and handling losses. Solute-flux converts dissolved concentration and discharge into a molar release rate, then scales by reactive area. Thickness retreat uses measured surface lowering and density to estimate an equivalent mass loss per area, which is useful for polished surfaces and field tablets.
Rates are normalized by effective reactive area, not only geometric area. The roughness factor approximates extra microscopic surface created by pores, etch pits, or fractured grains. Use conservative factors when data are limited, and document the choice. Unit conversions are applied automatically so you can enter cm², mm², or m² and obtain comparable outputs. Time is converted to years and seconds to keep both field and lab intervals consistent.
Weathering reactions are temperature sensitive. When you enable Arrhenius normalization, the tool scales measured rates to a chosen reference temperature using an activation energy. This supports side-by-side comparison of experiments performed at different temperatures or seasonal field observations. Choose reference temperature based on your reporting convention and keep it fixed across studies. Use literature values when available, and treat the normalized output as a scenario, not a direct measurement.
The result table provides multiple units such as g/m²/yr, mg/cm²/day, and mol/m²/s, plus reference-temperature variants. Choose the unit that matches your dataset and reporting standards, then keep the others for cross-checking. Review sign and magnitude to confirm physically plausible loss or flux. Record assumptions: blank loss, stoichiometric factor, molar mass basis, density, and roughness. Exporting CSV and PDF helps preserve inputs and ensures reproducible documentation.
It scales geometric area to approximate reactive surface area. Use 1.0 for smooth coupons, and higher values for porous, fractured, or etched surfaces. Document how you estimated it.
Use it when you have dissolved concentration and flow rate for a steady outlet, reactor, or stream reach. Subtract background concentration if needed, then normalize by effective area.
Enter the molar mass for the reporting basis of your concentration. For example, use 60.08 for SiO2-as-silica, or 28.085 for Si-as-elemental. Keep the basis consistent.
It converts solute release into mineral equivalents. Set 1.0 if one mole of solute represents one mole of mineral dissolution, or adjust for reaction stoichiometry and chosen tracer species.
Enable Arrhenius normalization to compare rates at a fixed reference temperature. Choose a reference, enter measured temperature and activation energy, and report both measured and normalized values.
If final mass is higher, or blank correction exceeds loss, the corrected loss becomes negative. The calculator floors loss at zero to avoid misleading rates. Recheck drying, deposits, and blank measurements.
Important Note: All the Calculators listed in this site are for educational purpose only and we do not guarentee the accuracy of results. Please do consult with other sources as well.