Question

What role does temperature and confining pressure play in the type of deformation?

Answer 1

Ans. Deformation is the process of undergoing change in volume usually when pressure is applied. It may be temporary or permanent. Both temperatyre and confining pressure act significantly to bring about deformation.

Role of temperature in deformation: Temperature is a key parameter in determining the fate of deformation. With change in temperatyre the nature of deformation also varies. At higher temperatures, the bonds between the molecules strengthen due to stretching and flexibility in the movement between the molecules. Hence at high temperatures, the materials are usually ductile. Hoeever, at lower temperature, the deformation is plastic in nature - the material becomes brittle and breks down.

Role of confining pressure: Confining pressure is an important parameter in deformation. With change in confining pressure there is change in the fate of a material or rock. At higher confining pressure, a material acts as an elastic and the chances of the rock undergoing fracture is even less. This is because the peripheral pressures like the overburden and axial pressures balance the confining pressure and the tendency of fracture formation decreases