Stepped landscapes and their significance for general theories of landscape development

Abstract

The reasons for attributing stepped inselbergs to episodic exposure are critically reviewed and problems discussed. The evolution of some residuals can be dated by correlation with palaeosurface remnants preserved in adjacent terrains. The age and evolution of landscapes implied by stepped landform assemblages are incompatible with most conventional models of landscape evolution. Most examples are taken from Australian sites but reference is made to comparable forms in southern African with the implication that the principles derived from Australian landscapes are also applicable elsewhere.