Earth: An Introduction to Physical Geology (12th Edition)

Published by Pearson
ISBN 10: 0134074254
ISBN 13: 978-0-13407-425-2

Chapter 6 - Give It Some Thought - Page 208: 4

Answer

The reason why the deeply buried igneous features of Shiprock now stand high above the surrounding terrain is due to the differential rates of weathering and erosion. The term in Section 6.4 that applies to this situation is "erosional remnant." Shiprock and the related dike were formed as part of a volcanic feature that was once buried beneath the surface. Over time, the surrounding sedimentary rocks, which were less resistant to weathering and erosion, have been gradually worn away, exposing the more durable igneous features. The igneous rock, being more resistant to weathering and erosion, has withstood the forces of nature and now stands as an erosional remnant or resistant mass above the surrounding terrain. The erosional remnant concept refers to geological features that remain standing or elevated due to their resistance to weathering and erosion compared to the surrounding rocks. In this case, the igneous features of Shiprock and the dike have resisted weathering and erosion more effectively than the surrounding sedimentary rocks, allowing them to persist as prominent features in the landscape.

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