Which process primarily accelerates cirque formation at high altitudes due to increased freeze thaw weathering?

💡 Explanation

When temperatures fluctuate around freezing at high altitudes, nivation processes dominate because meltwater penetrates cracks in bedrock behind the Bergschrund, refreezing and expanding causing rock fracturing. Therefore the focused freeze-thaw activity due to nivation accelerates cirque formation, rather than sliding, abrasion or creep which depend on different thermal and stress conditions.

• Which outcome occurs when sediment supply decreases significantly in a coastal area with a longshore current?
• Which outcome occurs when a gyre's rotational speed decelerates?
• Which phenomenon causes increased anchovy productivity when coastal upwelling occurs off Peru's west coast?
• Which surface feature is accelerated meltwater flow primarily responsible for where active solifluction lobes are present?
• Which mechanism causes smaller delta channel formation in a levee-confined alluvial plain during downstream sediment deposition?
• Which outcome occurs when volcanic ash flows compact?