Using Figure 4 and your own knowledge, assess the role of weathering in the development of this landscape - AQA - A-Level Geography - Question 2 - 2019 - Paper 1

Weathering plays a crucial role in shaping the landscape, particularly in arid environments like that surrounding Uluru.

Mechanical Weathering

In this environment, mechanical weathering processes, such as thermal expansion and contraction due to temperature fluctuations, contribute to jointing and fracturing of the rock surfaces. This process enhances the breakdown of rocks into smaller fragments, which can eventually be transported by wind or water.

Chemical Weathering

Chemical weathering is also significant, especially in the context of the sandstone that constitutes Uluru. The presence of moisture during certain seasons can result in chemical reactions that alter the minerals in the rock. For example, the dissolution of minerals may lead to a softer, more erodible surface, facilitating further erosion processes.

Role of Water

Few sources of water play an influential role in weathering. Occasional rains can contribute to both mechanical and chemical weathering. Additionally, exogenous processes such as flash flooding can lead to erosion and deposition of sediments around Uluru, further contributing to landscape development.

Impact of Erosion

The combined effects of weathering and erosion have gradually shaped the landscape surrounding Uluru. Continuous breakdown of the rocks through these processes leads to the gradual removal of material, thus changing the topography over time. Erosion often exposes different layers of rock, which can reveal the geological history of the area.

In summary, weathering, through mechanical breakdown and chemical alteration, contributes profoundly to the development and transformation of the landscape around Uluru, creating its iconic form over millennia.