Description

This book is going to be a very interesting and original book, with examples of different areas of South America. The thematic topics to be discussed are not common and it will show a great variety of geomorphological environments.

To provide a better organization of the volume, it is suggested that each chapter should include the following:

Introduction. General geological and geomorphological aspects of the region described, where these unusual and ephemeral landforms are located.
A list of the examples known for each region, with detailed information about geographical coordinates. It is intended that this volume will be a sort of a regional catalogue of Balanced Rocks.
Lithological, structural, geomorphological and morphometric description of each known example. The dimensions of the Balanced Rock will be specially mentioned and discussed.
Discussion of the possible genesis of each example mentioned (deep chemical weathering, differential weathering, surface water and ground water erosion, aeolian erosion, mass-movement processes, etc.).
Use of these landforms of precarious stability and ephemeral history as natural seismographic indicators, if pertaining, and indicate if examples of fall or collapse are known for the study area, as a consequence of strong earthquakes of known intensity in the region. The idea behind this is that if these landforms may survive even in seismic areas, it is possible that earthquakes of a certain intensity have not taken place in the region in the past, maybe centuries or millennia.
Geo-touristic and Geo-heritage use of these landforms, with plentiful examples in South America, particularly in cratonic areas. Their value for the development of Geo-parks or other cultural values, particularly related to aboriginal cultures.
Plentiful photographical archives of the cited landforms, with many good photographs to be included in the volume, and satellite imagery of the region where each example is located.