Weathering processes of the dolomite in Shibing (Guizhou) and formation of collapse and stone peaks

The dolomite in the Yuntai Mountain, Shibing, Guizhou, China constitutes the gentle stratum, affected by several weathering processes. It is coupled with a vertical joint development, which makes it easy to form the collapse and stone peaks corroded by running water. The aim of this paper is to study the effects of weathering processes of dolomite outcropping in the Yuntai Mountain (Shibing, Guizhou, China). This work shows the dolomite’s physical and mechanical characteristics, microscopic characteristics of rock and pore structure based on chemical and minero-petrographic analyses. The findings indicate that the dolomite in this region is gray, pure quality and hard-packed superfine grain to fine grain. Mass surface voids suggest that the dolomite’s pass is small and has more pore throat. Its grain cementation is relatively poor. The degree of rock weathering is relatively high. The mechanical strength is lower than that of the surrounding limestone. This work shows how the macro–micro characteristics of the dolomite affect the formation of collapse and stone peaks. This work further focuses on the study of the cone-shaped peak cluster basement and the upper tower-shaped stone peaks, which are the most important features of this region.