Micromonadnocks

Figure 2. Erosion causes elevation changes between materials of different resistance. Here, a “micromonadnock” has formed in a spoil pile. (Photograph by the author. More about the photograph)

The process of monadnock formation is often demonstrated in small scale when rocky fill dirt erodes during rainstorms. An example of such a “micromonadnock” in some eroded fill near Chapel Hill is shown in Figure 2. Note the flat rocks at the peak of the pile and the steep sides created by erosion of the dirt not protected by the rock. Note also the three similar features along the flanks of the main “pinnacle.”

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