ROBINHOODS BAY, YORKSHIRE, U.K.

Rocks that are cut by intersecting sets of planar fractures (joints) are subject to 'block disintegration.' Here, there are three sets of mutually perpendicular joints that divide the rock up into 'cubic' or 'rectangular' blocks. The blocks may then become completely detached and fall to the ground. With time, exposed or detached blocks may become rounded.


© 2001
Photo by David J. Leveson