Which weathering process predominates in the formation of a cirque's steep headwall?

💡 Explanation

When moisture infiltrates cracks in a cirque headwall, frost wedging occurs because repetitive freezing and thawing expands water's volume, fracturing rock. Therefore frost wedging predominates, rather than chemical dissolution, glacial abrasion, or exfoliation, which require different environmental triggers.

• Which outcome is caused by creep along a major fault?
• Which outcome occurs regarding airflow in areas characterized by sharply contrasting surface temperatures?
• Which geological feature is most directly shaped by strike-slip movement along a transform fault boundary?
• Which thermal consequence arises where oceanic crust subducts beneath continental crust?
• Which surface deformation results when freeze-thaw cycles and permafrost layer impede drainage on gentle slopes?
• Which mechanism increases landslide risk following intense rainfall near strike-slip fault zones?