carbonation Chemical weathering process involving a reaction between dilute carbonic acid, derived from the solution in water of free atmospheric and soil-air carbon dioxide, and a mineral. The best-known example is the reaction between limestone (calcium carbonate) and carbonated water (carbonic acid) which yields calcium and bicarbonate ions in solution:CaCO₃ + H⁺ + HCO₃^-→ Ca⁺ + 2HCO₃^-.

carbonation A chemical weathering process in which dilute carbonic acid, derived from the solution in water of free atmospheric and soil-air carbon dioxide, reacts with a mineral. The best-known example is the reaction between limestone (calcium carbonate) and carbonated water (carbonic acid) which yields calcium and bicarbonate ions in solution:CaCO₃ + H⁺ + HCO⁻₃ → Ca⁺ + 2HCO⁻₃