GENERAL GEOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -When cracks in rocks widen as water in them freezes and thaws 4) it exposes rocks to increased rates of erosion and weathering. Because the cracks of the rock widen, more of the rock surface is exposed which makes it more vulnerable to chemical weathering such as acid rain which dissolves minerals and rocks.

Detailed explanation-2: -Water seeps into cracks in the rocks, and, as the temperature drops below freezing, the water expands as ice in the cracks. The expansion exerts tremendous pressure on the surrounding rock and acts like a wedge, making cracks wider. After repeated freezing and thawing of water, the rock breaks apart.

Detailed explanation-3: -Physical weathering occurs when physical processes affect the rock, such as changes in temperature or when the rock is exposed to the effects of wind, rain and waves. Water can get into cracks in a rock and, if it freezes, the ice will expand and push the cracks apart.

Detailed explanation-4: -Mechanical or Physical Weathering Mechanical weathering includes processes such as water in cracks freezing and expanding, or changes in temperature that expand and shrink individual minerals enough to break them apart.

Detailed explanation-5: -Physical weathering is the breaking of rocks into smaller pieces. This can happen through exfoliation, freeze-thaw cycles, abrasion, root expansion, and wet-dry cycles.