The Formation of Honeycomb Weathering: Black Hand Gorge Nature Preserve, Licking County, Ohio
Key Rosebrook and Christine Scheub
Abstract
Honeycomb weathering in the Black Hand Gorge area of central Ohio is unique in comparison to most other examples of this weathering phenomenon. Honeycomb weathering is ordinarily found in an arid or coastal environment rather than humid, inland environment, such as central Ohio. Aeolian and coastal salt weathering are the current theories on the formation of honeycomb weathering. These processes, however, are not applicable at Black Hand Gorge. We propose that honeycomb weathering at Black Hand Gorge is a result of water percolation, due to the sandstone's aggregate nature and cement composition.