Deep Rock Weathering Episode 1 – Fracturing Rock when Plates Collide

A science animation designed by Friedhelm von Blanckenburg (GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences); Produced by Andreas Schulz (Filmbüro Potsdam).

Weathering needs fractures in the rock. When two tectonic plates collide, the plates slide against each other. During earthquakes fractures in the rock are created. The microscope reveals tiny cracks running through the rock. These micro-fractures are caused by the movement of the rocks against each other, but also when erosion at the Earth's surface removes the burden of the overlying rock. Fractures are necessary to bring water, reagents, and microbes to depth to weather rocks.

Watch the complete version of this movie here:

CC BY 4.0 GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences / Filmbüro-Potsdam
DOI: 10.48440/GFZ.3.3.2022.004