weathering profile

views updated May 08 2018

weathering profile A vertical section, from the ground surface to unaltered bedrock, which passes through weathering zones. It is usually best developed in the humid tropics, where depths of 100 m have been recorded but where 30 m is more common. The nature of the profile is a complex response to climatic and geologic controls, and to long-term changes in external conditions.

weathering profile

views updated May 17 2018

weathering profile A vertical section, from the ground surface to unaltered bedrock, which passes through weathering zones. It is usually best developed in the humid tropics, where depths of 100 m have been recorded but where 30 m is more common. The nature of the profile is a complex response to climatic and geologic controls, and to long-term changes in external conditions.