World's heritage Ançã stone and its surface recession according to the IPCC AR6 global warming scenarios

<h2>Abstract</h2> The thermo-hygrometric conditions and the amount of rainfall influence the surface recession of carbonate stone together with the contribution of some atmospheric compounds, namely CO₂, SO₂ and NO₂. The variation of the thermo-hygrometric features and the rainfall amount due to climate change is responsible for altering the rate of decay of carbonate stones by contributing to their preservation or accelerating their deterioration. It depends on the reference place and climatic variations at regional and global scales. The Lipfert equation provides the means to quantify the annual surface recession of carbonate stone due to clean rain, wet and dry deposition of pollutants and the equation can be modified according to climatic variables. According to historical (years 1995–2014) and foreseen meteorological conditions (years 2080–2099) and based on the IPCC ARS 6 scenarios, this research will calculate the surface recession of the <i>Ançã</i> stone (UNESCO World Heritage since 2024) along continental Portugal. The results are illustrated by thematic maps and show a clear decrease in surface recession in the various climate change scenarios if compared to historical data. Several chemical, petrophysical as well as meteorologic, geographic and geomorphological factors can act by favour or disfavour the surface recession. Between them, the amount of rainfall is crucial in this "decay balance". Knowing the surface recession of the far future would support the decision-making regarding preventive protection measures for all the buildings assembled with <i>Ançã</i> stone considering its current relevance.