answersLogoWhite

0

Water goes into small cracks in the rocks and then freezes. Water expands as it freezes and the expansion pushes outwards on the crack in the rock making it bigger. Eventually this process causes the rock to crack and flake apart

User Avatar

Wiki User

14y ago

What else can I help you with?

Continue Learning about Natural Sciences

What kind of weathering do workers who seal cracks in the rocks protect Mt Rushmore from?

Workers who seal cracks in the rocks at Mount Rushmore protect it from physical weathering caused by water infiltration and freezing and thawing cycles. By sealing the cracks, they prevent water from seeping into the rocks, which can weaken and cause them to break apart over time.


What is the freezing of water in rocks called?

The freezing of water in rocks is referred to as "frost wedging." This geological process occurs when water enters cracks and pores in rocks, and upon freezing, it expands. The expansion exerts pressure on the surrounding rock, which can lead to the gradual breaking apart or fragmentation of the rock. Frost wedging is a key mechanism in the weathering of rocks in cold climates.


What substance causes weathering?

"Weathering" is primarily caused by water.


Is freezing and thawing classified as chemical weathering or mechanical weathering?

Freezing and thawing is classified as a type of mechanical weathering, specifically known as frost wedging. This process occurs when water seeps into cracks in rocks, freezes and expands, causing the rock to break apart over time.


What is the cycle called when freezing and thawing breaks rocks apart?

The cycle is called frost weathering or freeze-thaw weathering. It occurs when water freezes in the cracks of rocks, expands, and breaks them apart as it thaws. Over time, this process can contribute to the mechanical breakdown of rocks into smaller pieces.

Related Questions

How does freezing water affect the weathering of rocks on a mountain's pinnacle?

Freezing water can affect the weathering of rocks on a mountain's pinnacle because the frozen water will expand within the cracks of the rocks of the mountain's pinnacle. The ice accumulations will also grow larger which will also affect the weathering of the rocks.


true or fale the freezing and thawing of rocks cracks and breaks rock. this is a mechanical type of weathering?

True. The freezing and thawing of water in cracks and pores of rocks exerts pressure that can cause rocks to crack and break apart. This is known as frost wedging and is a type of mechanical weathering.


What cause rocks in a stream to be smooth?

flowing water


Can weathering have an effect of the breaking down of rocks?

Yes, weathering can break down rocks through physical or chemical processes. Physical weathering can occur through freezing and thawing, while chemical weathering can happen through reactions with water, oxygen, or acids. Over time, these processes can cause rocks to crumble or dissolve into smaller fragments.


Which one of the following is a source of chemical weathering a The abrasion of running water b Water freezing in the cracks of exposed rocks?

b. water freezing in the cracks of exposed rocks


Extreme temperatures freezing water and vegetation can cause whaT?

weathering


What kind of weathering is it when the water freezes and thaws in cracks in rocks?

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.


What type of weathering causes rocks to decay?

Chemical weathering is the process that causes rocks to decay by breaking down minerals through chemical reactions. This can be caused by exposure to water, oxygen, carbon dioxide, and other substances that cause minerals to dissolve or change composition.


How glaciers cause weathering?

because when its freezing the water turn into glaciers


How snow can cause weathering and erosion?

Snow can cause weathering and erosion by freezing and thawing cycles. When snow melts, water seeps into cracks in rocks and soil. When the temperature drops, the water refreezes, expanding and causing rock and soil to crack. Over time, this process can break down rocks and lead to erosion.


Do gravity and ice cause mechanical weathering?

Yes, gravity can cause mechanical weathering through processes like mass wasting, where gravity causes rocks and debris to move downhill. Ice can also cause mechanical weathering through frost wedging, where repeated freezing and thawing of water in cracks and crevices causes rocks to break apart.


What you an example of a mechanical force in nature that can cause weathering in rocks?

Freeze-thaw: the considerable pressure exerted on the bounding rock by water freezing within existing cracks.