The distribution of inselbergs and their relationship to geomorphological, structural and lithological controls in Southern Zimbabwe

Differential weathering and erosion in an inselberg landscape in southern Zimbabwe: A morphometric study and some notes on factors influencing the long-term development of inselbergs

“…In a previous study of the distribution of the inselbergs of the study area, evidence was also provided that structural and compositional differences in granitoid rocks are likely to have influenced the frequency as well as the size and the type of inselbergs (Römer, 2005). As these differences appear to be associated with the erosional mobility of the inselberg sideslopes, different rates and styles of inselberg development may be expected.…”

“…Several lines of evidence suggest that differences in the type and size of inselbergs and in the role of divergent weathering are associated with differences in the structure and composition of the granitoid rocks (Römer, 2005). As these differences may influence the rate of the denudation processes on the inselberg sideslopes, this raises the question whether the mode of inselberg development differs also as a function of lithology and structure.…”

“…With respect to the weathering behaviour, the rocks of these inselbergs appear to represent the extreme counterpart of the study area. On the one hand, the highly fractured, grusified and friable rocks of the gneissic basement and, on the other, the massive porphyritic granite and the gneissic granite (Römer, 2005).…”

Similitud florística y síndromes de dispersión en un afloramiento rocoso de la región semiárida del noreste de Brasil

“…63 (3): 827-843. Epub 2015 September 01.Key words: inselbergs, floristic similarity, diasporas, xeric corridor, South America.With a wide distribution in tropical areas, inselbergs feature a range of sizes and degrees of isolation associated with major biomes of the world, allowing experimental work, as well as being excellent elements to address different topics related to biodiversity and conservation (Porembski & Barthlott, 2000;Romer, 2005).Due to its own characteristics, inselbergs form centers of diversity for certain functional groups of plants that are well adapted to extreme environmental conditions, and where the occurrence of seeds adapted to these conditions, becomes also greater in these formations than in the adjacent matrix (Hunter, 2003;Porembski, 2007). Its rocky structure is capable of forming xeric islands within a tropical rainforest matrix, resisting harsh soil edaphic and microclimate conditions (Sarthou, Larpinb, Fontyc, Pavoined, & Ponge, 2010).…”

“…With a wide distribution in tropical areas, inselbergs feature a range of sizes and degrees of isolation associated with major biomes of the world, allowing experimental work, as well as being excellent elements to address different topics related to biodiversity and conservation (Porembski & Barthlott, 2000;Romer, 2005).…”