Lecture 4 reading - tectonics, fracturing of rock and erosion Flashcards
1
Q
define fracturing
A
the cracking / breaking of rock
2
Q
define communition
A
reducing to minute particles or fragments
3
Q
define (rock) deformation
A
the rock changes in size and/or shape
4
Q
deformation is caused by…
A
stress
5
Q
what are the 3 types of differential stress?
A
- tensional / extensional stress which stretches rock
- compressional stress which squeezes rock
- shear stress which results in slippage and translation
6
Q
define isostasy
A
the equilibrium that exists between parts of the earths crust, as erosion removes rock from the surface, exhumed rock rises to a mean elevation nearly the same as that of the rock eroded
7
Q
how does tectonic deformation facilitate erosion?
A
by fracturing rock adjacent to major faults
8
Q
what is brittle deformation?
A
fracturing
