In this article the author uses two examples: the dome of the Taj Mahal and the Qutab Minar, where the facade stones have been affected by thermal action. Monuments on the seaside present another type of problem. The salt-laden air and wind-borne sand abrade the stones. The problems of rock-cut monuments are different from those of structural monuments. See also <i>AATA 12-48. -- AATA