Vineesh V, Geography

Etchplain An etchplain is a low-relief, gently undulating erosion surface formed primarily through deep chemical weathering (etching) of bedrock, followed by the removal of the weathered mantle , exposing a relatively smooth rock surface. Process of Formation In warm and humid climates , chemical weathering acts deeply along joints, fractures, and bedding planes. Less resistant rocks are altered into a thick layer of saprolite (weathered regolith) . Subsequent denudation and erosion remove the saprolite. The underlying fresh or slightly weathered bedrock is exposed as a broad, nearly level surface , occasionally interrupted by residual hills. Characteristics Low relief and gently undulating surface Formed mainly by chemical weathering followed by stripping Presence of residual hills such as inselbergs Common in tropical and subtropical regions Examples Peninsular India African Shield regions Inselberg An inselberg (German: "island mountain" ) is an isolated, steep-sided r...