Exfoliation (noun, “Um, shun”)
In geology, exfoliation refers to the rapid change in the course of a river or stream. In medicine, exfoliation refers to the tearing or pulling away of tissue within the body.
River exfoliation creates new channels or pathways for water to flow. This alters the landscape surrounding the river in various ways. In a complete river exfoliation, all the water from the river is redirected, leaving behind a dry riverbed as the water finds a new path.
Partial exfoliation changes the land in a different manner. In partial exfoliation, the river splits, resulting in multiple channels. When these channels reconnect downstream, it forms a braided river pattern, with several channels weaving together. This eventually creates many small islands throughout the river.
The separation of the river plays a role in land formation. The Mississippi River Delta is a prime example, spanning 3 million acres (12,000 square kilometers) along the Louisiana coast into the Gulf of Mexico. As the Mississippi River empties into the Gulf, it deposits sand and mud.
The landscape near the Delta is quite flat, causing the river to frequently change its course. Flooding can lead to sediment being carried into the waterway, blocking the flow of water. The river then adjusts and seeks a new path to the ocean. With each exfoliation, a new sediment mound is formed, gradually extending the delta further into the ocean.
Medicine utilizes the second definition of exfoliation, describing it as damage that causes tearing or separation of body tissues. One example of exfoliation damage is a peeling fracture, where a portion of the bone becomes separated from the rest of the bone.
In a sentence
Exfoliation can lead to dangerous flooding, posing a threat to rural communities. Take a look at the full list of Scientists say.
Source: www.snexplores.org
