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Granite Dome




A granite dome is a Dome of Granite , formed by Exfoliation .

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FORMATION

Granite forms Pluton s of Igneous Rock several kilometers below the surface as Magma slowly cools and crystallizes. The granite is under great overhead pressure.

-sliced Half Dome , Yosemite , a classic granite dome]]

Then, granite is uplifted to the surface during a mountain-building event. During the Mountain Building Process , the overlying rock is Eroded as the granite is uplifted, and the pressure on the granite reduced. The granite expands and forms fractures or Sheet Joint s parallel to the surface. The granite then erodes in concentric layers (similar to how an Onion peels) forming rounded masses called Exfoliation domes.

, in the American state of Georgia , the world's largest exposed piece of Granite ]]

While found worldwide, many such domes are found in the Sierra Nevada range in California , which includes the most famous exfoliation dome in the United States , Half Dome . Granitic surfaces in this region that have been exfoliated are identified by their lack of Glacial Polish .

, Yosemite .]]

, Yosemite , by Nevada Fall .]]


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