Altération du marbre et du granite de Délos: rôle de l'environnement atmosphérique marin naturel et pollué

The principal forms of weathering found on the marble and granite remains on Delos are described and the physico-chemical mechanisms of their development are explained by the environmental processes which gave rise to their formation. Two main factors were revealed: marine salts and atmospheric pollution. Cycles 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 increases the processes of dissolution and formation of brown crusts.