Final answer:
Sheet jointing is a weathering and fracturing process that occurs in granitic rocks like those at Yosemite National Park. It contributes to the development of exfoliation domes, along with other geologic processes such as erosion and freeze-thaw cycles.
Step-by-step explanation:
Sheet jointing is a type of weathering and fracturing process that occurs in granite rocks. It is characterized by the development of parallel fractures or joints that separate the rock into thin, sheet-like layers. Sheet jointing tends to occur in granitic rocks because they have a unique composition and structure that makes them susceptible to weathering and expansion.
At Yosemite National Park, sheet jointing contributes to the development of exfoliation domes. Exfoliation domes are large, rounded rock formations that result from the gradual stripping away of overlying rocks due to the pressure release caused by sheet jointing. As the outer layers of the granite rock are exposed to the surface, they expand and crack parallel to the surface, forming these dome-shaped landforms.
Other geologic processes involved in the formation of exfoliation domes include erosion, freeze-thaw cycles, and differential weathering. These processes, along with sheet jointing, work together to shape and sculpt the dome-like features seen in granite landscapes.