wAbstract
@Studies of many years - combining in situ investigation and laboratory
analysis - have provided comprehensive information on weathering
damage on the rock-cut monuments in the ancient city of Petra
in Jordan. These rock-cut monuments represent outstanding world
heritage. Many hundred monuments were carved by the Nabataeans
from bedrock about 2000 years ago. The awareness of increasing
weathering damage on the monuments has resulted in international
efforts towards their preservation. The damage diagnosis has addressed
the complex mutual relationships between stone types, stone properties,
monument exposure regimes, environmental influences, weathering
phenomena, development and extent of weathering damage and weathering
progression. The rocks were classified lithostratigraphically
and petrographically. Results on weathering forms, weathering
profiles and weathering products obtained from monument mapping,
in situ measurements and laboratory studies revealed a complex
diversity of weathering phenomena with respect to type and intensity.
Damage categories and damage indices were used to create a reproducible
quantitative rating of weathering damage. Detailed results on
weathering forms allowed the characterization and quantification
of weathering progression including weathering prognoses. Stone
properties and states of weathering damage were jointly considered
for the rating of the rocks' susceptibility to weathering. The
systematic evaluation of weathering damage and monument exposure
regimes can enhance the assessment of weathering factors and processes.
Keywords: Jordan; Rock monuments; Weathering damage; Damage diagnosis;
Weathering progressionx
Introduction
Methods
Results and discussion
@Lithotypes and their petrographical properties
@Weathering damage
@Weathering progression
@Weathering factors and weathering processes
Conclusions
Acknowledgements
References