In which processes are rocks broken up and moved to different locations?

Answer 1

Frost heave is an interesting process but acting in polar regions of course.

The thermal expansion and contraction of the soil matrix is such that the component materials separate according to their size. So eventually, a Frost Polygon develops, in which the larger stones have migrated to the perimeter of the polygon, and the fine material concentrates in the interior. Slightly raised as well. These Polygons are irregular shapes, but with fairly straight sides. Quite striking to see.

Freeze-Thaw cycles will act on massive rocks as well - rocks the size of houses. The temperature of the interior of such a rock does not change very much, because of the poor thermal conductivity, and the great thermal mass.

But any surface irregularity may be subject to a daily freeze-thaw cycle, and this tends to spall off any irregularities, and the rock gradually becomes more round. The spalls may be several hundred mm in surface dimension, but only a few cm in thickness. Not uncommon to find in mountainous regions.

The transport of rocks is a water process, either by glacier, or by a river. A glacier will actually pluck rocks from rock wall bounding the glacier, particularly in the upper reaches where schrunds develop. The glacier will freeze to the rock, but as the glacier is moving, particularly in the upper snowfields, it will pull away any rock that has a fracture line behind it.

The collisions in a river will soon round the rock.

Answer 2

The process of breaking down rock is called weathering. Wind can break down rock over a long period. Likewise a cycle of freezing and thawing can break off pieces of rock.

Answer 3

The processes are weathering and erosion.

Answer 4

weathering

Answer 5

Erosion