Using Figure 4 and your own knowledge, assess the role of weathering in the development of this landscape - AQA - A-Level Geography - Question 2 - 2019 - Paper 1

Weathering plays a vital role in shaping landscapes, especially in arid regions like Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. In this environment, weathering processes such as thermal expansion and contraction are significant due to temperature fluctuations between day and night. This thermal weathering can cause fractures in the rock, contributing to its erosion.

Additionally, the role of water—both as a source of chemical weathering and as a means to transport eroded materials—cannot be overstated. In Uluru, while much of the sandstone is resistant, the presence of water can lead to further breakdown of softer materials, particularly in ephemeral water flows following rare rainfalls.

Moreover, the unique composition of Uluru itself, primarily sandstone with areas of conglomerate, further influences how weathering affects its structure. The varying hardness of the rock means that weathering can lead to differential erosion, creating the unique features visible in Figure 4.

In conclusion, the interplay of thermal and chemical weathering significantly contributes to the unique landscape seen in the Uluru region, where erosion and sedimentation create a dynamic geological environment.