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Compressive–tensile rock markings

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 October 2019

Robert G. Bednarik*
Affiliation:
ICRAD, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, China IFRAO, PO Box 216, Caulfield South, Melbourne, VIC 3162, Australia
*
Author for correspondence: Robert G. Bednarik, Email: auraweb@hotmail.com

Abstract

A form of natural rock marking is described from a site on the coast of Fujian in China. Having been defined as rock art, it has now been found to be natural, caused by the release of massive kinetic energy in collisions between large blocks of granite. A combination of compressive and tensile stresses has yielded geometric changes to the fabric of the rock, and the selective weathering of modified parts of the rock has produced visually distinct, large surface markings resembling a rising Sun. The processes involved are considered in the light of research into the similar effects of explosives on rock.

Type
Rapid Communication
Copyright
© Cambridge University Press 2019 

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