This geography problem is solved step by step below, with detailed explanations to help you understand the method and arrive at the correct answer.

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Step 1: Deep chemical weathering of the surrounding bedrock.
The inselberg massif is formed from resistant crystalline rocks like granite. The surrounding rocks undergo intense chemical weathering due to high temperature and moisture in tropical climates, breaking down into loose regolith (saprolite).
Step 2: Selective erosion of weaker rocks.
Rivers, wind and mass wasting remove the weathered regolith from around the more resistant massif, lowering the surrounding landscape and leaving the massif standing as an isolated hill.
Step 3: Mechanical weathering by unloading (exfoliation).
As overlying material is eroded, pressure is released, causing the rock to expand and fracture into curved sheets (onion-skin weathering). These sheets peel off layer by layer.
Step 4: Joint-controlled weathering.
Parallel vertical joints in the granite are widened by water seeping in, freezing/thawing or root action, further shaping the steep-sided, rounded dome of the inselberg massif.
Formation complete: The inselberg massif remains as a residual feature after prolonged denudation of the landscape.
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Deep chemical weathering of the surrounding bedrock. The inselberg massif is formed from resistant crystalline rocks like granite.
This geography problem is solved step by step below, with detailed explanations to help you understand the method and arrive at the correct answer.