Ascertaining Rock Erosion Rates

  • Thread starter Steve LeMaster
  • Start date
  • Tags
    Rock
In summary: The Mysterious Relationship Between the Sphinx and Venus In summary, Steve LeMaster, Professor Robert M. Schoch's webmaster and moderator, states that geologists do not know at what rate rock erodes. Can anyone give him the various methods used in ascertaining dates of rock erosion? Or is this just pure speculation? Steve also mentions that he is not aware that any professional geologists are present on the forum, and that he is unsure if he is posting his question in the right place. He goes on to say that Dr. Schoch used subsurface seismic surveying to date the Great Sphinx. Steve also points out that there are three different dating methods: archeology,
  • #1
Steve LeMaster
5
0
My name is Steve LeMaster, Professor Robert M. Schoch's webmaster and moderator.

I am not quite sure if I am posting my query in the right place, so please forgive me if I am.

Dr. Schoch is a geologist at Boston University and he has told me that geologists do not know at what rate rock erodes. Can anyone give me the various methods used in ascertaining dates of rock erosion? Or is this just pure speculation? He is a very busy man and has yet to answer my question.
 
Earth sciences news on Phys.org
  • #2
Hi Steve and welcome.

I'm afraid I'm not aware that anybody here identified himself as a professional geologist. Some may conceal it :smile: As a consequence this is a very slow moving forum.

As for your question. You must be aware that there are too many variables for a simple answer. I'll look into it later.

In the mean time, it may be interesting to note that sometimes things are the other way around and apparent erosion is actually accumulation like in this thread.
 
  • #3
Thanks, Andre

Based on those threads, I see it has a lot to do with observation.

The only method that I am aware that Professor Schoch used when he redated the Great Sphinx was subsurface seismic surveying.

What type of weathering/erosion process do you think caused this?:

http://www.robertschoch.topcities.com/images/sphinx/southernenclosurewall.jpg
 
Last edited by a moderator:
  • #4
Very good Steve, excellent.

Yes I have read many threads and theories about the weathering of the Sphinx. It's a can of worms. One of the most delicate mysteries of the hidden past of mankind (or not). Now, just go there, scrape off a little material of those rox and go to a lab for a simple 10Be/26Al exposure dating. I wonder why nobody has done so, sofar.

Love to discus this.
 
  • #5
Discussing dating methods of rock

>>Love to discus this.

As well as I. Ever since I became Prof. Schoch's webmaster and moderator of his discussion board, I have yet to discuss the methods of dating rock with anyone.

If you should wish to pay a visit, stop by.

The Official Website of Dr. Robert M. Schoch PhD

I have been running his site since August 2003.

>>Now, just go there, scrape off a little material of those rox and go to a lab for a simple 10Be/26Al exposure dating. I wonder why nobody has done so, sofar.

He very well could have, I'm not sure.
 
  • #6
Nice site, Steve.
Just some observations about let's say the merging specialisms. There is archeology, forbidden archeology and Quartenary geology. Apparantly never the threesome meet. I hobby a bit with the last routine but I sympathize with the others.

From what I have read about the Egypt relicts, I infer that there seem to be very good reasons for the scholar dating of the great Gizeh pyramid to be correct. However the wear of the Sfinx, but especially its orientation could give grounds for doubts about that.

Equally interesting is the (sunken?) megalithic site in Cuba. http://www.cuba.cu/ciencia/citma/ama/museo/exmari.htm

But we have had a discussion about that here
https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=6347&page=1&pp=15
 
Last edited by a moderator:
  • #7
Dating the Sphinx

Prof. Schoch conservatively dated the Great Sphinx carving to be somewhere between 7000-5000 BC.

>>However the wear of the Sfinx, but especially its orientation could give grounds for doubts about that.

What exactly do you mean by this? I think I know, but I am not quite sure.

As for the Cuba site, I can't wait until researchers begin to dive on that site. I have not heard much in the way of anything else on it, though.
 
  • #8
Forgotton Technology

You may want to check this out. This guy erected a 19,000 lb block by himself.

Forgotton Technology
 
  • #9
About the sphinx. I'm afraid it's not wise to try and explain that guess (no more than that) in a few words. It's a result of unexpected and complicated physical behavior of terrestial planets.

It all starts with Venus here, althought the possible relationship with the Sphinx (if any) will not be clear from the beginning:

https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=2974
 

1. What is rock erosion and why is it important to determine its rate?

Rock erosion is the process of wearing away or breaking down of rocks due to natural forces such as wind, water, and ice. It is important to determine its rate because it helps us understand how landforms are shaped, how materials are transported, and how different landscapes evolve over time.

2. How do scientists measure rock erosion rates?

There are several methods used to measure rock erosion rates, including terrestrial LiDAR scanning, cosmogenic nuclide dating, and field observations. These methods involve measuring the amount of material removed from a specific area over a certain period of time.

3. What factors can affect rock erosion rates?

Several factors can affect rock erosion rates, including climate, topography, geology, and human activities. For example, areas with high precipitation and steep slopes tend to have higher erosion rates compared to dry and flat areas.

4. Why is it necessary to determine the erosion rate of a specific rock formation?

Determining the erosion rate of a specific rock formation can help us understand the stability of the landscape and predict potential hazards such as landslides and rockfall. It also helps in land management and conservation efforts.

5. Can rock erosion rates change over time?

Yes, rock erosion rates can change over time due to natural processes or human activities. For example, changes in climate patterns or introduction of new construction projects can significantly alter erosion rates in a particular area.

Similar threads

  • Other Physics Topics
Replies
6
Views
5K
  • STEM Academic Advising
Replies
5
Views
931
  • Quantum Physics
Replies
28
Views
1K
  • New Member Introductions
Replies
1
Views
580
  • STEM Academic Advising
Replies
17
Views
2K
  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
2
Replies
49
Views
2K
  • General Discussion
Replies
11
Views
1K
  • Sci-Fi Writing and World Building
Replies
21
Views
993
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
5K
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
1K
Back
Top