Exfoliation Tors and Exfoliated Domes

When it comes to exfoliation, there are two main methods: domes and tors. But what is the difference between them? And which one is better? In this post, we will discuss the difference between exfoliation tors and exfoliated domes, and help you understand them better!

What are exfoliation tors?

Exfoliation tors are formed when a rock mass is forced to move along a pre-existing fracture or bedding plane. The force may be caused by gravity, tectonic activity, or erosion. The rock mass breaks along the fracture or bedding plane, forming a steep slope. Tors typically have a rounded shape and maybe several metres high.

What are exfoliation domes?

Exfoliation domes are formed when a rock mass is forced to move upward along a pre-existing fracture or bedding plane. The force may be caused by tectonic activity or erosion. The rock mass breaks along the fracture or bedding plane, forming a dome-shaped feature. Domes may be several metres high and may have a diameter of several hundred metres.

Formation process of exfoliation tors

The formation process of exfoliation tors is more complex than that of exfoliation domes. In the case of tors, a large amount of gas is released in a very short time, which results in the formation of a large number of small bubbles. These bubbles then rise to the surface and form a thin film. As the film rises, it becomes thinner and eventually breaks. This process repeats itself until a large number of small tors are formed.

What is the difference between exfoliation tors and exfoliation domes?

Exfoliation tors and exfoliation domes can be classified of various notes:

1. On the basis of the definition
2. On the basis of morphology
3. On the basis of size
4. On the basis of height
5. On the basis of force
6. On the basis of the formation
7. On the basis of the position
8. On the basis of pressure
9. On the basis of stress

On the basis of definition:

Exfoliation Dome is a rock mass that has been forced to move upward along pre-existing fracture or bedding plane, while exfoliation tor is a rock mass that has been forced to move along pre-existing fracture or bedding plane.

On the basis of morphology:

The exfoliation dome is more rounded in shape as compared to the exfoliation tor which is steeper.

On the basis of size:

Exfoliation dome is usually larger in size as compared to exfoliation tor which is smaller.

On the basis of height:

Exfoliation dome is taller in height as compared to the exfoliation tor.

On the basis of force:

The force that acts on the exfoliation dome is tectonic activity or erosion while the force that acts on exfoliation tor is gravity, tectonic activity or erosion.

On the basis of formation:

An exfoliation dome is formed when a rock mass is forced to move upward while an exfoliation tor is formed when a rock mass is forced to move along.

On the basis of position:

An exfoliation dome can be formed on the top of a hill or mountain, while an exfoliation tor is generally found at the base of a hill or mountain.

On the basis of pressure:

Exfoliation dome is formed under high pressure while exfoliation tor is formed under low pressure.

On the basis of stress:

Exfoliation dome is formed when tensile stress is acting on a rock mass while exfoliation tor is formed when shear stress is acting on a rock mass.

Conclusion

This article gives you an insight into the meaning of exfoliation domes and exfoliation tors and the difference between the two. To put it simply, exfoliation domes are formed as a result of the expansion of rocks owing to temperature change and exfoliation tors are formed due to unloading and expansion of rocks.