How does freeze-thaw weathering occur?

Freeze-thaw weather occurs when water enters a small crack in a rock, which often happens during rainfall, then when temperatures fall to below 0 degrees celsius this water freezes and expands. This widens the crack in the rock and put pressure on it. The ice then melts, and when there is more rainfall this process repeats itself. When this happens over a prolonged period of time substantial weathering occurs and the rock is eroded.

EG
Answered by Emily G. Geography tutor

4413 Views

See similar Geography GCSE tutors

Related Geography GCSE answers

All answers ▸

What is Longshore Drift?


Describe the issues commonly found in shanty towns in rapidly developing urban areas.


How does tourism impact development in lower income countries (LIC)?


The figure shows a sketch map showing part of a coastline where deposition is the main coastal process. Suggest how the coastline shown may change in the future.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2025 by IXL Learning