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 has played a significant role in the development of the Uluru landscape, particularly through the processes of mechanical and chemical weathering. Uluru, composed primarily of coarse-grained sandstone, is subject to both physical and chemical weathering due to the extreme hot and cold temperatures typical of the desert environment.

1. Mechanical Weathering: In hot desert climates, such as that around Uluru, the large temperature fluctuations between day and night promote the expansion and contraction of rock materials. This process can lead to the fracture of rocks, which breaks down larger pieces into smaller fragments over time, contributing to the formation of the landscape.

2. Chemical Weathering: The presence of rainwater, although infrequent, can lead to significant chemical weathering. Water can chemically alter minerals within the sandstone, causing the rock to weaken and erode more easily. The interaction between water and minerals such as feldspar in the sandstone contributes to the development of a more varied topography around Uluru.

3. Exogenetic Factors: Weathering processes at Uluru are also impacted by external factors, including the surrounding water bodies that can alter the sediment distribution and composition in the region. For instance, when rainwater flows down the face of Uluru, it can carry away weathered material, further reshaping the landscape.

4. Inselsberg Formation: Uluru is an inselberg, which refers to an isolated hill or mountain rising abruptly from a gently sloping or virtually level surrounding plain. The weathering process is crucial in the formation of inselbergs; as softer surrounding sediments erode away more quickly, the harder sandstone of Uluru remains, leading to its prominence in the landscape.

In conclusion, the combination of mechanical and chemical weathering contributes significantly to the development of the Uluru landscape, leading to prominent features, terrain complexity, and its distinctive shape.