The sculpting of formations….. “fluted” Vishnu Schist

July 15, 2011
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A large rock wall surrounds a body of water.

1.7 to 2-billion year old rock formation…. The “Vishnu Schist” is the oldest rock formation in the Grand Canyon. Also referred to as, the basement rocks of the Grand Canyon.

Photo Tom Blagden (tblgden@bellsouth.net)

Fluting  is a process of differential weathering and erosion by which an exposed well-jointed coarse-grained rock such as granite, gneiss or vishnu schist develops a corrugated surface of flutes; especially the formation of small-scale ridges and depressions by wave action.

  • fluting with respect to sedimentary action:
  • the process of forming a flute by the cutting or scouring action of a current of water flowing over a muddy surface.
  • scalloped or rippled rock surfaces.

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