Water seeps into the cracks of a rock and freezes, forcing the crack wider and eventually breaking the rock. Which is the term for this process?(1 point)
The term for this process is called freeze-thaw weathering.
The term for this process is called freeze-thaw weathering.
The term for the process you are describing is called freeze-thaw weathering or frost weathering. This process occurs in colder regions where temperatures fluctuate above and below the freezing point of water. Allow me to explain how it works.
When water seeps into the cracks of a rock, it fills the space. As the temperature drops, the water freezes and expands. The expansion of the frozen water exerts pressure on the surrounding rock, forcing the crack wider. Over time, this repetitive freezing and thawing cycle weakens the rock and can eventually lead to its breakage.
To understand this concept, you need to know about the physical properties of water. When water freezes, it undergoes a phase shift and turns into ice, expanding by approximately 9%. This expansion puts stress on the rocks, weakening them over time.
This process of freeze-thaw weathering is one of the many ways that rocks can be broken down into smaller pieces, which is an important process in the overall cycle of erosion and weathering of the Earth's surface.