The large sheets of rock that break off batholiths, such as Half Dome in Yosemite National Park, develop as a result of
A) exfoliation.
B) mineral expansion.
C) salt crystal growth.
D) frost wedging.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Exfoliation is the process of large sheets of rock breaking off due to pressure release from the removal of overlying rock. Batholiths, such as Half Dome, are igneous intrusions that form deep underground and are slowly exposed through erosion. As the overlying rock is eroded away, the pressure on the batholith is released, causing large sheets of rock to break off in a process known as exfoliation. Mineral expansion, salt crystal growth, and frost wedging can also contribute to rock weathering and erosion, but they are not the primary cause of the large sheets of rock breaking off batholiths.

The Large Sheets of Rock That Break Off Batholiths, Such