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Different erosional features can lead to layers of rock flaking off.

In layered sedimentary rocks this is usually the case when some of the layers are less resistant against weathering (e.g. when the grains are cemented by carbonate which is dissolved by acid rain). One can often see that phenomenon on old sandstone buildings.

Also igneous rocks show the effect of layers flaking off the surface. This may be related to thermal expansion and contraction working mostly on the outer part of large boulders. It might as well have something to do with the structure of the rock inherited from its crystallization and residual stresses and the depth that water can penetrate and weather the rock.

Another answer:

The flaking off in layers of rocks is called exfoliation. This usually occurs in deserts and is caused by changes in temperature.

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What is the process in which layers of rock flake off a larger rock as a result of weathering?

The process in which layers of rock flake off a larger rock as a result of weathering is called exfoliation. This occurs due to the expansion and contraction of rock layers in response to changes in temperature, causing the outer layers to break off. Over time, repeated cycles of expansion and contraction lead to the gradual exfoliation of the rock's outer layers.


What is causing the plates of granite rock to flake off?

Granite rock can flake off due to weathering processes such as freeze-thaw cycles, chemical weathering, and erosion. These processes weaken the bonds between mineral grains in the rock, causing it to flake off in layers or sheets.


WhO type of weathering causes the peeling of large curved sheets from a rock?

Exfoliation weathering causes the peeling of large curved sheets from a rock. This type of weathering occurs due to the expansion and contraction of rock layers in response to temperature changes, leading to the outer layers flaking off in curved sheets.


What are two agents of physical weathering that might occur in the mountains in northern Montana?

Frost wedging and exfoliation are two common agents of physical weathering in the mountains of northern Montana. Frost wedging occurs when water repeatedly freezes and thaws in rock crevices, breaking the rock apart. Exfoliation happens when outer layers of rock peel off due to temperature changes, causing the rock to weaken and flake.


How does unloading contribute to weathering?

Unloading contributes to weathering by relieving pressure on rock layers, which can cause expansion and fracturing of the rock. This can lead to the breaking off of outer layers of rock, increasing surface area exposed to weathering processes such as erosion and chemical weathering.

Related Questions

What mechanical weathering causes rock to flake off in layers?

Exfoliation is the mechanical weathering process that causes rock to flake off in layers. This occurs due to the expansion and contraction of rock surfaces, caused by temperature changes, which lead to the peeling away of outer layers of rock.


What is the process in which layers of rock flake off a larger rock as a result of weathering?

The process in which layers of rock flake off a larger rock as a result of weathering is called exfoliation. This occurs due to the expansion and contraction of rock layers in response to changes in temperature, causing the outer layers to break off. Over time, repeated cycles of expansion and contraction lead to the gradual exfoliation of the rock's outer layers.


What is causing the plates of granite rock to flake off?

Granite rock can flake off due to weathering processes such as freeze-thaw cycles, chemical weathering, and erosion. These processes weaken the bonds between mineral grains in the rock, causing it to flake off in layers or sheets.


What are three sentences for the word flake?

A flake is a small, flat piece that falls off of a larger object. When used as a verb, flake means to break off in small pieces or layers. In slang terms, someone who is unreliable or unreliable can be called a flake.


WhO type of weathering causes the peeling of large curved sheets from a rock?

Exfoliation weathering causes the peeling of large curved sheets from a rock. This type of weathering occurs due to the expansion and contraction of rock layers in response to temperature changes, leading to the outer layers flaking off in curved sheets.


Can you put sheet rock compound or knock down over glue or grout?

No, the gypsum based compuond will not have proper adherance and will crack and flake off.


What is flake in cooking?

the process of breaking off small pieces from foods to check if it is done is a flake!


What is it called when rock layers do when the brake off?

It can be defined as erosion. That is the only one I can think of...


What are two agents of physical weathering that might occur in the mountains in northern Montana?

Frost wedging and exfoliation are two common agents of physical weathering in the mountains of northern Montana. Frost wedging occurs when water repeatedly freezes and thaws in rock crevices, breaking the rock apart. Exfoliation happens when outer layers of rock peel off due to temperature changes, causing the rock to weaken and flake.


Is epidermis of human body is live or dead?

The epidermis is made of of many layers, most of which are alive; every day some cells on the very outermost layer will die and flake off. These are referred to as "skin flakes." You cannot bring them back to life with lotions or potions, but you can make them juicier and stickier with various creams and lotions. sooner or later they will flake off anyway.


Weathering in which thin sheets of rock flake off the surface is called?

Exfoliation. This process occurs due to pressure release when overlying rocks are eroded and removed.


How does temperature change erode rock?

If water is caught in cracks in the rock and it freezes it expands. This causes the rock to chip off.