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Water has the unusal property of expanding, when frozen into ice. Water that seeps into cracks and then freezes, exerts tremendous pressure, which forces the crack open. During a thaw the loose parts will fall out.

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What causes potholes and breaks in rocks from freezing an thawing cycle is what?

Potholes and breaks in rocks from the freezing and thawing cycle are caused by water seeping into cracks in the rock, freezing and expanding, and then thawing and contracting. This repeated cycle weakens the rock and can eventually lead to the formation of potholes or breaks.


The process of water freezing and thawing to break apart rock is called?

The process of water freezing and thawing to break apart rock is called freeze-thaw weathering. This occurs when water seeps into cracks in the rock, freezes, expands, and then thaws, gradually breaking down the rock over time.


Does freezing then thawing a mechanical weathering of a rock?

Yes, it is a form of mechanical weathering. Water manages to get into a crack in a rock, and with cold temperatures, freezes. When transferring from a liquid to a solid, the molecules of water expand by crystallization, widening the crack in the rock.


Weathering process that involves the freezing and thawing of water?

Frost wedging is a weathering process where water seeps into cracks in rocks, freezes, expands, and then thaws, causing the rock to break apart gradually. This repeated cycle of freezing and thawing can weaken the rock and eventually lead to its fragmentation.


The freezing and thawing action of water affects a rock by?

causing it to break down into smaller pieces through a process called frost wedging. When water seeps into cracks in the rock and freezes, it expands, exerting pressure on the rock and causing it to fracture. Over time, repeated freezing and thawing can lead to the disintegration of the rock into smaller fragments.

Related Questions

Classify freezing or thawing oxidation water dissolving chemicals in rock abrasion acid rain?

Freezing or thawing are classified as mechanical weathering. Water dissolving and oxidation of chemicals in rock acid rain are classified as chemical weathering.


What causes potholes and breaks in rocks from freezing an thawing cycle is what?

Potholes and breaks in rocks from the freezing and thawing cycle are caused by water seeping into cracks in the rock, freezing and expanding, and then thawing and contracting. This repeated cycle weakens the rock and can eventually lead to the formation of potholes or breaks.


What does freezing and thawing of rocks do to them?

Freezing a rock would shrink it some (contract) while the thawing would expand it. This applies to most substances, water being the obvious exception.


What can freezing and thawing of water in rock cause?

The freezing and thawing of water in rock can cause physical weathering through a process known as frost wedging. When water seeps into cracks in the rock and freezes, it expands, exerting pressure on the surrounding rock. This repeated cycle of freezing and thawing can lead to the gradual breaking apart of the rock, contributing to soil formation and altering the landscape over time. Ultimately, it can create features like rock fractures and even contribute to landslides.


What can freezing and thawing of water in rock can cause answer?

The freezing and thawing of water in rock can cause physical weathering, a process known as freeze-thaw weathering or frost wedging. When water infiltrates cracks in the rock and freezes, it expands, exerting pressure on the rock. Upon thawing, the water contracts, and repeated cycles can lead to the widening of cracks, ultimately causing pieces of rock to break off and contribute to landscape erosion. This process is particularly effective in regions with fluctuating temperatures around the freezing point.


The process of water freezing and thawing to break apart rock is called?

The process of water freezing and thawing to break apart rock is called freeze-thaw weathering. This occurs when water seeps into cracks in the rock, freezes, expands, and then thaws, gradually breaking down the rock over time.


What is freezing and thawing of water can cause creep which is?

very slow downhill movement of rock and soil


Does freezing then thawing a mechanical weathering of a rock?

Yes, it is a form of mechanical weathering. Water manages to get into a crack in a rock, and with cold temperatures, freezes. When transferring from a liquid to a solid, the molecules of water expand by crystallization, widening the crack in the rock.


What type of frost action occurs when a crack ina rock widens from the freezing and thawing of water?

ice wedging


Weathering process that involves the freezing and thawing of water?

Frost wedging is a weathering process where water seeps into cracks in rocks, freezes, expands, and then thaws, causing the rock to break apart gradually. This repeated cycle of freezing and thawing can weaken the rock and eventually lead to its fragmentation.


The freezing and thawing action of water affects a rock by?

causing it to break down into smaller pieces through a process called frost wedging. When water seeps into cracks in the rock and freezes, it expands, exerting pressure on the rock and causing it to fracture. Over time, repeated freezing and thawing can lead to the disintegration of the rock into smaller fragments.


The breaking apart of rock by freezing and thawing is referred to as?

ice wedging