freeze-thaw weathering

Freeze-thaw weathering occurs when water seeps into cracks in rocks. When temperatures drop, the water freezes and expands, exerting pressure on the rock. As the ice thaws, the pressure is released, but repeated freeze-thaw cycles gradually cause the rock to weaken and break apart. This process is common in climates with regular temperature fluctuations around freezing and contributes to the gradual breakdown of rocks into smaller fragments over time.