Which material instability risked Byzantine mosaic degradation when direct sunlight heats tesserae?

💡 Explanation

Differential thermal expansion induced cracking due to varying expansion coefficients in the tesserae and mortar occurred, therefore, detachment of the mosaic occurs because each different type of material expands disproportionately rather than biofouling and galvanic corrosion, which cause uniform decomposition.

• Which benefit results when ancient hillside terraces incorporate agricultural drainage?
• Which risk increased for early cast-iron bridge designs?
• Which mechanical risk dramatically increased with Inca terraced masonry retaining walls as heights exceeded 10 meters?
• Which risk increased when ancient Roman aqueducts' limestone channels interacted with slightly acidic water for prolonged periods?
• Which astronomical calculation was improved by the geared mechanism in medieval Islamic astrolabes?
• Which agricultural outcome decreased sharply when Incan hillside terracing lost support?