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Geological Formations

Fin (geology)

Erosional and Karst Formations

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A fin is a geological formation consisting of a narrow, standing wall of hard sedimentary rock left behind after the surrounding rock has eroded away along parallel joints or fractures, typically forming when a narrow butte or plateau develops many vertical, parallel cracks. Fins form through two main erosional modes: water flowing along the joints and fractures widens them progressively until the intervening rock collapses, or a harder, more erosion resistant rock layer is undercut as an adjacent weaker layer wears away faster and falls away.

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