Exfoliation Joints --also
called "unloading joints" or "sheeting joints", these joints form by unloading
of bedrock through erosion. Consequently, they form parallel to topography.
Exfoliation
joints in granitic rock. Yosemite NP, California.
Exfoliaton joints in granitic rock. Yosemite NP. Note how
the joints dip towards the creek on both sides.
Exfoliation joints in granitic rock. Southern British Columbia.
Note how they wrap around the peak.
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