Answer
The rock in question is most likely limestone. The process described involves the dissolution of calcite, which is a primary component of limestone (composed primarily of calcium carbonate). When rainwater becomes acidic and absorbs carbon dioxide, it dissolves the calcite in the limestone bedrock. As the water resurfaces as a hot spring, the dissolved calcium carbonate precipitates out of the water, leading to the deposition of the rock.
Chert, on the other hand, primarily consists of microcrystalline quartz (silica) and does not involve the dissolution and precipitation of calcium carbonate. Therefore, based on the process described and the involvement of calcite dissolution and precipitation, the rock in question is more likely to be limestone rather than chert.
Work Step by Step
Refer to the above answer.
