Questions: Piles of broken, angular rock that have weathered and tumbled downhill accumulate in slopes.
talus
joint
exfoliation
Transcript text: Piles of broken, angular rock that have weathered and tumbled downhill accumulate in $\qquad$ slopes.
talus
joint
exfoliation
Solution
The answer is the first one: talus.
Explanation for each option:
Talus: This is the correct answer. Talus slopes are formed by the accumulation of broken, angular rock fragments that have weathered and tumbled downhill. These rocks typically gather at the base of cliffs or steep slopes, creating a sloping pile of debris.
Joint: This is incorrect. Joints are natural fractures or separations in rock that occur without displacement. They are not related to the accumulation of weathered rock fragments.
Exfoliation: This is incorrect. Exfoliation refers to a type of weathering where layers or sheets of rock peel away due to pressure release or thermal expansion. It does not describe the accumulation of rock fragments.
In summary, the correct term for the accumulation of broken, angular rock fragments that have weathered and tumbled downhill is "talus."