WEATHERING PIT CHARACTERISTICS AND TOPOGRAPHY ON STONE MOUNTAIN,GEORGIA |
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| Authors: | Thomas R Paradise Zhi-Yong Yin |
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| Institution: | 1. Department of Geography , Arizona State University , Tempe, Arizona 85287;2. Department of Geography , Georgia State University , Atlanta, Georgia 30303 |
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| Abstract: | A detailed analysis of weathering-pit distribution on Georgia's Stone Mountain granite dome reveals a complex relationship between pit size and density, compared with slope aspect and angle. The uniform nature of the lithology provides an ideal natural laboratory for the analysis of weathering pits. Through the random establishment of 32 dome-encircling, ten-by-ten meter study plots within an elevational range from 610 to 650 meters, the distribution, size, aspect, slope and lithology of pit features were mapped, measured, and analyzed. Thematic maps were used in the visual representation of pit distribution and dimension data. Correlation coefficients, ANOVA, and multiple regression analyses were utilized to determine the relationships of these variables. Pits showed a dimensional and density increase toward a southwestern aspect as well as a dimensional and density increase with decreasing slope angle. Greatest pit dimensions were found at approximately the 200° N azimuth. These findings lead the authors to conclude that insolation weathering may be a more important process in granite pit formation on Stone Mountain than commonly believed because afternoon temperature maxima accelerate weathering through increased chemical constituent dissolution and/or crystal constituent disintegration. Key words: weathering pits, gnammas, granite weathering, Stone Mountain.] |
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| Keywords: | gravel-bed river excess Shields stress channel curvature bed particle size MD-SWMS Rocky Mountain National Park |
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