Rock temperatures from southeast Morocco and their significance for experimental rock-weathering studies

Surface and subsurface rock-temperature measurements are presented from three rock types (chalk, granite, and sandstone) from a hot desert climate. The temperature regimes undergone by each rock-type and the differences between them can be best explained by reference to the values of albedo and thermal conductivity for the rocks. The significance of thermal properties in influencing rock temperatures suggests that these properties should be taken into account when attempting to simulate “desert weathering” and also when trying to explain variations in the weathering behavior of different rock types.