What process involves some soft rocks being chemically attacked and slowly dissolving in water?

The process that involves some soft rocks being chemically attacked and slowly dissolving in water is known as "Solution or Corrosion." This process refers specifically to the way certain minerals, particularly those found in softer rocks such as limestone, can dissolve when they come into contact with water that has dissolved carbon dioxide, forming a weak acid known as carbonic acid. This acid is particularly effective at breaking down minerals in these types of rock, leading to their gradual dissolution and the transportation of the solubilized materials away by water.

Understanding this process is crucial in geography and geology because it plays a significant role in the formation of landscapes such as caves and karst topography, as well as influencing the chemical composition of natural water bodies. The chemical reactions involved in solution or corrosion are pivotal in shaping both the physical landscape and the ecosystem dynamics around rivers and streams.