mechanical weathering Flashcards
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
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