How can temperature lead to weathering of rocks?
A. Rocks expand and contract when they are heated and cooled which cause them to break.
B. Rocks expand and contract when they are heated and cooled which cause them to break.
C. Rocks move faster when they are heated, which can cause the pieces to eventually move away.
D. Rocks can melt when they become hot, which can lead to pieces breaking off.
Both options A and B are correct:
A. Rocks expand and contract when they are heated and cooled, which can cause them to break. This is known as thermal stress weathering. When rocks are subjected to changes in temperature, such as during daily cycles of heating and cooling, the repeated expansion and contraction can weaken their structure. Over time, this can lead to the breaking and fragmentation of rocks.
B. Rocks expand and contract when they are heated and cooled, which can cause them to break. This is particularly evident in regions with large temperature variations, such as desert environments. The extreme heating and cooling can cause differential expansion and contraction across the rock surface, resulting in the formation of cracks and fractures. Through processes like freeze-thaw weathering, water can enter these cracks and further accelerate the breakdown of rocks.