What is the difference between etchplanation and pediplanation?

Answer 1

The main difference between etchplanation and pediplanation is at the second stage of their granite weathering processes.

At the second stage of the etchplanation weathering process, exhumation occurs downwards, weathering granite vertically - resulting in steep sided granite landforms such as inselbergs or tors.

For the pediplanation process however, exhumation occurs laterally, forming usually broad and gently sloping land surfaces. Accompanying the pediplanation process are usually river erosion processes, thus further widening the valley and even forming extensive plains (pediplanes).

Answer 2

Etchplanation is a process of weathering and erosion that involves the chemical dissolution of rocks, while pediplanation is the process of physical erosion and smoothing of rock surfaces due to factors like wind, water, and ice. In other words, etchplanation primarily involves chemical weathering, while pediplanation involves physical weathering.