mechanical weathering Flashcards

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1
Q

Freeze-thaw

A

water enters cracks in rocks

when water freezes overnight it expands widening cracks

Ice thaws and cracks get deeper

repeated expansion and contraction till rock falls apart

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2
Q

Wetting and drying

A

In warmer climates where the water does not freeze, a similar process called wetting and drying occurs which works in the same way, just without the ice
This often occurs in the inter-tidal zone; the area becomes exposed at low tide but covered at high tide
Rocks expand when they are wet and then contract when dry

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