Heat Identified As The Reason Behind Yosemite Rockfalls
- 8 years ago
A new study has found that rockfalls in Yosemite, known as exfoliations, can be caused by temperature variations which weaken structures over time.
Yosemite’s renowned cliff formations may seem stable and everlasting, but, in fact, they regularly shed flakey layers known as exfoliations.
Now, a new study conducted by scientists with the U.S. Geological Survey and the National Park Service has determined some of the conditions under which these rock falls are likely to happen.
The team knew of different triggers like precipitation, freezing, and earthquake-related vibrations but sought to explain geologic activity when these were not present.
So they placed instruments behind a 62-foot-t
Yosemite’s renowned cliff formations may seem stable and everlasting, but, in fact, they regularly shed flakey layers known as exfoliations.
Now, a new study conducted by scientists with the U.S. Geological Survey and the National Park Service has determined some of the conditions under which these rock falls are likely to happen.
The team knew of different triggers like precipitation, freezing, and earthquake-related vibrations but sought to explain geologic activity when these were not present.
So they placed instruments behind a 62-foot-t