Weathering in the Tropics, and Related Extratropical Processes

Weathering processes are partially responsible for a characteristic geomorphology that occurs in the tropics and subtropics. Resistant landforms such as inselbergs, extreme solution processes resulting in silica karst, and deep weathering profiles with end stage weathering products such as laterite and kaolin are common features of tropical weathering. Many of these features also occur outside the tropics. In part, climate change and paleotectonics were responsible for tropical weathering conditions in areas not now tropical. But, some processes assumed to require tropical conditions that are not so limited, sufficient moisture and time sufficing for their development. This chapter reviews the weathering processes and distinctive landforms of the broadly defined tropics, and explores the debates over weathering factors as they pertain to tropical and extratropical environments.