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

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

Chapter 6 - Section 6.2 - Mechanical Weathering - Eye on Earth 6.1 - Page 188: 2

Answer

The term applied to the process of separating thin slabs of rock from a larger mass is "exfoliation" or "sheeting." Exfoliation occurs when the confining pressure on a rock decreases, leading to the expansion and fracturing of the rock parallel to its surface. The domelike feature that results from exfoliation is known as an "exfoliation dome." It is characterized by the curved or rounded shape of the exposed rock surface, resembling the layers of an onion. Exfoliation domes often occur in granite or other coarse-grained rocks and are typically associated with erosion and the removal of overlying rock layers.

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