Periglacial processes - Physical weathering

Question 1

Give one example of a physical weathering periglacial process?

Answer 1

Freeze-thaw (congelifraction)

Question 2

Describe freeze-thaw weathering?

Answer 2

Water trapped in soil and rock joints freezes as temperatures fall. Freezing causes water to expand by 9% in volume. The pressure exerted by the repetition of the cycle causes rocks and soil to disintegrate.

Question 3

Give some features associated with freeze-thaw weathering?

Answer 3

• Blockfields
• Screes
• Tors