Geomorphology

Question 1

What are horizontally layered rocks?

Answer 1

Rocks can be in horizontal layers, inclined layers, or massive. Topography associated
with horizontally layered rocks develops where layers of the rock are flat-lying.

Question 2

How do horizontally layered landscapes develop?

Answer 2

The landscapes that develop are hilly landscapes, basaltic plateaus, canyon
landscapes, and Karoo landscapes.

Question 3

Hilly landscapes

Answer 3

Hilly landscapes are influenced by the climate of the region and the resistance of the
rock.

Question 4

Basaltic plateaus

Answer 4

Basaltic plateaus are also called lava plateaus. They are built up over millions of years
by lava pouring out of long narrow cracks in the ground.

Question 5

Canyon landscapes

Answer 5

Canyon landscapes develop where horizontal layers erode at different rates. At first the
land is level, but running water soon finds weak places in the hard surface layer.

Question 6

Karoo landscapes

Answer 6

• Karoo landscapes develop from canyon landscapes.
• Large areas are covered with horizontal layers.
• The plateau is protected by a resistant hard rock such as dolerite.
• Rivers erode vertically, forming canyons.

Question 7

What is scarp retreat?

Answer 7

Scarp retreat is caused by lateral erosion, mass movement and weathering.
• It takes place over millions of years and reduces the original plateau to mesas,
buttes and conical hills.

Question 8

How are homoclinal ridges classified?

Answer 8

Homoclinal ridges are classified according to the angle of the dip slope. The type of
homoclinal ridge depends on the gradient at which the layers dip.