How is an exfoliation dome formed?

      

Describe how an exfoliation dome is formed.

  

Answers


Maurice
A large homogeneous rock is exposed to alternate expansion and contraction of the outer layer in a rock.This is caused by temperature differences. Exfoliation is common in arid areas where,during the day the rock surface heats up rapidly and then cools at night. Rocks are poor conductors of heat and so there is little or no heat that is transferred to the inner layers. The minerals of the outer layer expand at a higher rate than those of the inner layers This causes strain to result between the two layers and with time the outer shell will develop cracks and later peel off. Once the material has peeled off and rolled away a smooth dome shaped rock is left behind. It is called an exfoliation dome.
maurice.mutuku answered the question on June 6, 2017 at 08:41


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