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).