Inselbergs

• These are round topped mounds of rock found in deserts as a result of persistant wind erosion over long periods of time.
• In some deserts such as the Namib desert, wind erosion has removed all the original surface leaving isolated pieces of rock that stand up as round-topped masses.
• Some of these inselbergs may be a result combined wind and water erosion for example remains of plateau edges may be cut back by weathering after they are exposed by sheet wash.
• Talus (scree/loose rocks resulting from weathering and mass-wasting) accumulated at the base of the slope as shown on the right hand of the photograph)

The diagrams below show the formation of an inselberg and kopje in desert conditions.

Inselberg

Formation of an inselberg/bornhadt in desert conditions. Image credit RevisionWolrd.

Kopje

Formation of a Kopje in desert conditions. Image credit RevisionWorld

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