Which mechanism explains why freeze-thaw weathering causes rock breakdown in mountainous regions?

💡 Explanation

Ice wedging occurs when water penetrates rock fractures, freezes, and expands. The expansion exerts outward pressure, widening cracks and causing the rock to fracture because this mechanical stress exceeds the rock's tensile strength; therefore, the ice wedging mechanism drives breakdown, rather than abrasion, oxidation, or hydrolysis.

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