Which process initiates enhanced glacial erosion and cirque formation in arctic mountains subject to freeze-thaw cycles?

💡 Explanation

When arctic mountains undergo freeze-thaw cycles, nivation—repeated ice wedging—occurs because water expands upon freezing, exerting pressure in rock fractures, initiating enhanced glacial erosion in cirques. Therefore, nivation is the answer, rather than abrasion, plucking, or striation which involve different mechanisms of glacial erosion and transport.

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