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Letter DGeology glossary

Differential Erosion

Differential erosion occurs when different types of rocks or sediments erode at different rates due to variations in hardness, composition, or structure. This process can lead to the formation of distinct landforms, such as mesas, buttes, and valleys. Differential erosion is significant in the study of geomorphology and landscape evolution.

Mushroom-shaped red rock formation under blue sky (differential erosion)
Fig. 1 Mushroom-shaped red rock formation under blue sky (differential erosion)

Source Twidale, C. R. (1982). “Granite Landforms.” Elsevier.

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