Final answer:
Joints are natural fractures without movement, while faults include displacement. Joints influence weathering and erosion by providing pathways for elements to penetrate the rock. In Yosemite National Park, joints in granitic rocks aid in mechanical weathering and sculpting the terrain.
Step-by-step explanation:
Joints are natural fractures in rock where there has been no movement parallel to the surfaces of the fracture. Faults, on the other hand, are fractures where there has been displacement of the sides relative to one another.
This fundamental difference means that joints can greatly influence weathering and erosion, particularly in places like Yosemite National Park, which is known for its granitic rocks. The presence and abundance of joints create pathways for water and other weathering agents to penetrate and break down the rock, causing it to erode over time.
Weathering and Erosion in Yosemite National Park:
The granitic rocks at Yosemite are susceptible to weathering due to the extensive network of joints. These joints allow water to infiltrate, which promotes mechanical weathering through processes such as frost wedging. As a result, the rock disintegrates into smaller pieces and is more easily transported by erosion, contributing to the sculpted landscapes seen in the park.
Granitic Rock Weathering Susceptibility:
Granitic rocks formed deep within the Earth's crust and are exposed to surface conditions that are significantly different from where they formed. Hence, they are susceptible to weathering at the surface because the environmental conditions, such as temperature and pressure, are much less intense, making it easier for weathering processes to break down the rock materials.
Impact of Joints on Weathering in Yosemite:
The extensive joints found throughout the granitic rocks of Yosemite Park increase the surface area exposed to weathering agents and therefore enhance the erosion process. This leads to the formation of valleys, cliffs, and the iconic landscapes that Yosemite is famous for.