Heat-induced limestone transformation may explain cart rut formation. Heat theory: limestone heated to ~1000°C becomes quicklime (emits CO2) Quicklime + water creates slurry that can be shaped then hardens through pozzolanic reaction Same chemistry used in Roman concrete
A speculative theory emerging: what if heat created these ruts? When limestone is heated to ~1000°C it becomes quicklime, which reacts with water to create a shapable slurry that hardens later. The same calcium oxide chemistry was used in Roman concrete! Material would collapse rather than push up - explaining the missing raised rims. Heat sources could include plasma discharges, coronal mass ejections, or ball lightning. Theory suggests something unusual happened here.
Key Facts
- Heat theory: limestone heated to ~1000°C becomes quicklime (emits CO2)
- Quicklime + water creates slurry that can be shaped then hardens through pozzolanic reaction
- Same chemistry used in Roman concrete
- Heat source could be: plasma discharges, coronal mass ejections, air bursts, or ball lightning
- Material would collapse rather than push up, explaining absence of raised rims
- Could explain why footprints absent - humans may not be heavy enough to make marks
Source: The Mystery of the Cart Ruts by The Randall Carlson