What can cause changes in bedrock depth over short distances?

Changes in bedrock depth over short distances are commonly caused by variable soil conditions. This variability can arise from a number of factors such as different soil types, historical deposition events, or even human activities. For example, areas with thick layers of organic material might have shallow bedrock, whereas regions with heavy clay or sandy soils might have deeper or exposed bedrock. These differences often occur within relatively small geographical areas due to the specific geological and environmental history of each site.

In contrast, while natural erosion processes can influence bedrock exposure over time, they tend to affect larger areas rather than creating sharp variabilities over short distances. Weather patterns and extreme temperatures can impact soil conditions but don’t directly dictate bedrock depth variations. Therefore, focusing on the unique local soil characteristics offers the most precise explanation for the changes in bedrock depth encountered.