It depends on the type of rock in question: Igneous; Metamorphic or Sedimentary. As an example, consider the differences between applying high temperatures to a volcanic rock and say, sandstone. Igneous rocks are born of primordial fire, so you'd think they could handle the minor heat of boiling like Superman. However, they almost always contain lots of air pockets which can shatter the ex-magma when boiled! Freezing affects rocks the same way it cracks the pavement in the winter. Water gets in, freezes, expands and cracks the rock, which opens it more to further freezing and eventually the rock gets smaller and smaller until it's a mere pebble in an oft frozen stream near the arctic. Could have started as a boulder. Take away my dramatic love of Geology, and the most basic answer would be eventual destruction. Cheers!
It is a form of weathering known as frost wedging.
This process is called frost wedging or freeze-thaw weathering. Water enters cracks in rocks, freezes and expands, causing the rock to break apart over time.
When water freezes inside rocks, it expands as it turns into ice. This expansion creates pressure that can cause the rock to crack or break apart. Over time, repeated freezing and thawing cycles can weaken the rock and contribute to its breakdown.
The weathering process where water freezes and thaws in cracks in rocks is called frost wedging. This repeated process of expansion and contraction due to freezing and thawing can cause the rock to break apart over time.
When water freezes in the cracks of rocks, it expands and exerts pressure on the surrounding rock, causing it to crack and break apart. As plants grow into these cracks, their roots can further widen the gaps through a process known as biological weathering. Over time, this can contribute to the breakdown of the rock into smaller pieces.
cracks open wider
cracks open wider
Water expands when it freezes. In winter, water gets into minute cracks in the rocks and then as it freezes it expands and makes the cracks bigger. So more water gets in then freezes so the cracks get bigger still until the rocks break apart.
All rocks have cracks in them. If water fills the cracks and freezes, it expands and pushes the rock apart.
The rock cracks and weathers.
Water can do this if it freezes
It explodes...?
Since water expands when it freezes, it causes cracks in rocks when it freezes inside them.
yes it does when water freezes it expands the rocks cracks which he water went inside
The expansion of water as it freezes can push cracks in rocks farther apart. This process, known as frost wedging, occurs when water seeps into cracks in rocks, freezes, and exerts pressure on the surrounding rock, widening the crack over time.
It is a form of weathering known as frost wedging.
The ice expands in the crack and may split the rock, as will eventually the roots of a plant.