Question

what happens to rocks after their elastic limit is passed

Answer 1

They break and deform

Answer 2

they deform

Answer 3

[AI-generated answer — Explain Bot]

When rocks exceed their elastic limit, they undergo permanent deformation, which means they do not return to their original shape after the applied stress is removed. The behavior of rocks after their elastic limit is passed depends on the type and composition of the rock.

1. Plastic Deformation: Rocks can undergo plastic deformation after the elastic limit is exceeded. This means that the rock permanently changes its shape without breaking. The rock may fold, bend, or stretch, and it will retain that deformed shape after the stress is released.

2. Fracture: If the stress on the rock is too high, it may fracture or break rather than undergoing plastic deformation. This can result in the formation of cracks or fissures that propagate through the rock.

3. Faulting: In some cases, when rocks experience extreme stress beyond their elastic limit, they can undergo faulting. Faulting occurs when rocks rupture along a plane or fault line, leading to displacement and the formation of new geological structures.

It is important to note that the behavior of rocks under stress can vary depending on various factors such as type of rock, temperature, pressure, and time. Studying the behavior of rocks under different conditions is a fundamental aspect of geology and materials science.