DIFFERENTIAL  WEATHERING  &  EROSION

 

Differential weathering and differential erosion are often, jokingly, the default explanations for odd-looking rocks or geologic scenery.  But they are important, real-life processes.  Differential weathering and differential erosion refer to hard, resistant rocks & minerals weathering and eroding more slowly that softer, less-resistant rocks & minerals.

 

The rock shown below is an intrusive igneous rock (gabbro?) with two intersecting granite dikes.  The dikes noticeably project from the rock surface.  The dark host rock has weathered & eroded at a faster rate than the granite dikes.

 

Differential weathering and erosion on a dark-colored intrusive igneous rock (gabbro?) having intersecting, pinkish-colored granite dikes that project from the rock surface (public display, Field Museum of Natural History, Chicago, Illinois, USA).

 


 

 

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