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Letter FGeology glossary

Frost Wedging

Frost wedging is a type of physical weathering that occurs when water enters cracks in rocks, freezes, and expands, causing the rock to break apart. This process is common in cold climates and contributes to the breakdown of rocks into smaller fragments. Frost wedging is significant in the study of weathering processes, landscape evolution, and soil formation.

Large cracked rock surrounded by snow (frost wedging)
Fig. 1 Large cracked rock surrounded by snow (frost wedging)

Source Hall, K. (1986). The Role of Thermal Stress in the Breakdown of Rock in Cold Regions. Geological Society of America Bulletin.

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