Differential weathering is the difference in degree of discoloration, disintegration, of rocks of different kinds exposed to the same environment. Quartz deposits in basaltic flows will weather slower than the surrounding rock, while being exposed to the same forces of weathering.
More simply, Differential weathering is the chemical or physical breakdown of different rock units at different rates. The rate of breakdown is determined by several factors; the rocks' mineral composition, surface area, climate, time, etc.
Landforms created by differential weathering consist of "balanced" rocks, cliff and bench topography, natural arches, natural bridges, and fins.
Famous quotes containing the words differential and/or weathering:
“But how is one to make a scientist understand that there is something unalterably deranged about differential calculus, quantum theory, or the obscene and so inanely liturgical ordeals of the precession of the equinoxes.”
—Antonin Artaud (1896–1948)
“No paradise, no fall,
Only the weathering land
The wheeling sky,
Man, with is Satan
Scouring the chaos of the mind.
Oh Hell!”
—Gary Snyder (b. 1930)