Station 1 Granitic Weathering

Granitic Weathering 

Weather is the agent responsible for creating the bizarre and fantastic shapes that characterize the area. Weathering occurs on the surface of outcrops by granular disintegration (one layer of crystals after another are removed from the surface). This weathering leaves the newly exposed surface in a smooth rounded condition with no sharp or ragged edges. The detrital material is carried by wind and water to low areas among the prominent outcrops. The detrital material (granitic sand) that is found at the base of most outcrops is called grus. Weathering-related features seen here include case hardening, exfoliation, and grus (located at the base of the outcrop).