The Glossary of Geology (Gary et al., 1974, p. 245) lists exposure [geol] as a “a continuous area in which a rock formation or geologic structure is visible (“hammerable”), either naturally or artificially, and is unobscured by soil, vegetation, water, or the works of man.” Natural exposure is most abundant in arid and semiarid climates where predominantly mechanical (rather than chemical) weathering contributes less rapidly to a masking soil profile and where vegetation does not obscure outcrops from view. In cold climates natural exposures are most commonly associated with glaciation. Both Pleistocene and more recent glacial valleys frequently show excellent outcrops (Fig. 1).
Large exposure in the Animas Canyon, Colorado, is a product of both natural glacial erosion and an artificial railroad cut opened a century ago.
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© 1988 Van Nostrand Reinhold Company Inc.
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Watson, I., Lemon, R.R. (1988). Exposures, examination of . In: General Geology. Encyclopedia of Earth Science. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/0-387-30844-X_28
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