How do vertical fractures influence the formation of slot canyons and fins in rock masses?
Answer
Fractures focus localized water flow, eroding narrow chasms which leave unfractured rock standing as fins.
Vertical joints and fractures act as conduits for concentrated water flow, allowing fluvial action to erode deeply along these lines of weakness, resulting in narrow slot canyons and leaving the strong, unfractured rock standing as fins.
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