The weathering of the Bouça de Frade granite is the result of the modification of the minerals that compose it by physical and chemical processes. Weathering was fundamental for the development of shapes with different aspects and dimensions. In this area of the Natural Monument there are different weather figures, namely potholes.

• Potholes

These shapes result from physical and chemical weathering at the surface of the rocks. Water accumulates and causes chemical reactions with minerals more susceptible to alteration, such as biotite and feldspars, causing rock surface progressive granular breakdown, forming circular depressions - the potholes. These structures retain water permanently maintaining this weathering process.

• Pans

They are shallow depressions with a flat bottom in which the water overflow occurs along the entire contour of the depression, that is, because they do not have a way out defined.

• Armchair shaped potholes

They are potholes in the form of an armchair, that is, they have asymmetrical walls. In the upper part, the pothole walls have a greater height relative to the lower, the last one corresponds to the place of the grooves.