Articles | Volume 4, issue 3
https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-4-727-2016
https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-4-727-2016
Research article
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22 Sep 2016
Research article | Highlight paper |  | 22 Sep 2016

Oxidation of sulfides and rapid weathering in recent landslides

Robert Emberson, Niels Hovius, Albert Galy, and Odin Marc

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AR by Robert Emberson on behalf of the Authors (03 Aug 2016)  Author's response   Manuscript 
ED: Publish as is (25 Aug 2016) by Jane Willenbring
ED: Publish subject to technical corrections (05 Sep 2016) by Frédéric Herman (Editor)
AR by Robert Emberson on behalf of the Authors (08 Sep 2016)  Manuscript 
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Short summary
Rapid dissolution of bedrock and regolith mobilised by landslides can be an important control on rates of overall chemical weathering in mountain ranges. In this study we analysed a number of landslides and rivers in Taiwan to better understand why this occurs. We find that sulfuric acid resulting from rapid oxidation of highly reactive sulfides in landslide deposits drives the intense weathering and can set catchment-scale solute budgets. This could be a CO2 source in fast-eroding mountains.