A granitic laccolith that formed 5 miles below the surface of the Earth has been
ID: 288091 • Letter: A
Question
A granitic laccolith that formed 5 miles below the surface of the Earth has been uplifted by tectonic forces and now is exposed at the surface. The granitic rock of the laccolith is beginning to weather and has produced a series of cracks that are parallel to the surface. What is the cause of these cracks?
gradient jointing
hydraulic fracturing
A process called concentric weathering
The process of unloading
gradient jointing
hydraulic fracturing
A process called concentric weathering
The process of unloading
Explanation / Answer
The granitic rock of the laccolith is beginning to weather and has produced a series of cracks that are parallel to the surface. The process of unloading is the cause of these cracks