Exfoliation Joints  --also called "unloading joints" or "sheeting joints", these joints form by unloading of bedrock through erosion.  Consequently, they form parallel to topography.

  Exfoliation joints in granitic rock.  Yosemite NP, California.


Exfoliaton joints in granitic rock.  Yosemite NP.  Note how the joints dip towards the creek on both sides.


Exfoliation joints in granitic rock.  Southern British Columbia.  Note how they wrap around the peak.


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