Those small rocks under the train tracks aren't just there for looks - they have an important job to do! Known as railway ballast, these rocks are usually made of really tough materials like quartzite, basalt or granite. They come in different sizes between about 1 and 2 1/2 inches.
Their main task is to hold the tracks firmly in place by evenly sharing the weight of passing trains. This helps stop the ground from moving around or the tracks from bending out of shape. The ballast also takes in the vibrations caused by the trains. This lessens how much the shaking gets passed on to the area around the tracks. Without these rocks, the vibrations could spread much further.
Another benefit of railway ballast is that it helps drain away water. This prevents flooding and keeps the tracks steady even in bad weather. So next time you see rocks under the train tracks, remember that they play a key role in keeping everything running smoothly!
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