Document Type

Research

Abstract

The wedge-work of roots is a powerful and effective agent of weathering and performs an important part in breaking up solid rock. Since the indurated rocks, as a rule, are covered by mantle rock of considerable thickness the actual penetration of their seams, joints, and crevices by roots is concealed. In some cases, too, the mantle rock is of so great thickness that even the longest roots fail to reach the solid rock below. On bare rocky cliffs where there is sufficient moisture, trees, in some cases of large size, grow from crevices and joints where their seeds have sprouted. As they grow their roots penetrate the openings and wedge their sides apart sometimes prying off unstable rock masses and toppling them over—the final overthrow occurring oftentimes during a windstorm which may blow down the trees.

Publication Date

1919

Journal Title

Proceedings of the Iowa Academy of Science

Volume

Issue

First Page

477

Last Page

480

Copyright

Language

File Format

application/pdf

Recommended Citation

Thomas, A. O. (1919) "An Illustration of the Wedge-Work of Roots," Proceedings of the Iowa Academy of Science, 26(1), 477-480.
Available at: https://scholarworks.uni.edu/pias/vol26/iss1/45

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An Illustration of the Wedge-Work of Roots

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