Chapter 13: Problem 15

Why is freezing water such an effective physical weathering agent?

Short Answer

Expert verified

Freezing water is an effective physical weathering agent due to the unique property of water to expand when it freezes. This causes increasing pressure on the surrounding rock when it seeps into cracks and freezes, thereby causing the rock to weaken and eventually break apart over time in a process called freeze-thaw weathering.

Step by step solution

Understand Water's Unique Property

Water has a unique property in that it expands when it freezes. This is unlike most other substances, which contract when they change from a liquid to a solid state. When water turns into ice, it increases in volume by about 9%.

Explain Weathering Process

The weathering process starts when water seeps into crack on a rock surface. When the temperature drops and this water freezes into ice, it expands. This expansion then exerts pressure on the surrounding rock. Since Ice is solid and doesn’t compress, this leads to the enlargement of the cracks.

Implications of Repeated Freezing/Thawing

If this process of freezing and thawing happens repeatedly, the continuous exertion of pressure by the expanding ice causes the rock to weaken over time. Eventually, pieces of the rock may break off in a process known as frost shattering or freeze-thaw weathering.

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Why is freezing water such an effective physical weathering agent?

Short Answer

Step by step solution

Understand Water's Unique Property

Explain Weathering Process

Implications of Repeated Freezing/Thawing

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