The peeling off of surface layers of a rounded boulders during mechanical weathering is called________
Answer Details
The peeling off of surface layers of a rounded boulder during mechanical weathering is called exfoliation.
Exfoliation is a type of mechanical weathering process that occurs when layers of rock or boulder peel off from the surface due to pressure release. The process usually occurs in rocks that have been exposed to intense heat, pressure, and other environmental factors for a long time.
As a result of these factors, the rock expands and contracts repeatedly, causing the surface layers to crack and break apart. Over time, these cracks become wider, and the layers begin to peel off, revealing the smooth and rounded boulder underneath.
Exfoliation is often seen in granitic rocks, where the outer layers peel off to form concentric layers resembling an onion. The process can also occur in other rock types such as sandstone and shale.
Overall, exfoliation is an important geological process that contributes to the breakdown and erosion of rocks over time, shaping the landscape around us.