What term describes the process where water freezes in rock crevices, causing the rock to break apart?

The term that describes the process where water freezes in rock crevices, causing the rock to break apart is known as frost wedging. This process occurs when water seeps into cracks in the rock. As temperatures drop, the water freezes and expands, exerting pressure on the surrounding rock. This repeated cycle of freezing and thawing can lead to significant fragmentation of the rock over time.

Frost wedging is particularly effective in climates that experience frequent freeze-thaw cycles, as the expansion of ice facilitates the mechanical weathering of rocks. As the ice melts, it allows more water to enter the cracks, perpetuating the process and gradually causing larger pieces of rock to break away.

In contrast, frost heaving refers to the upward movement of soil due to the expansion of ice, typically in soils rather than solid rock. Exfoliation is associated with the peeling or flaking off of layers from a rock surface, and chemical weathering involves the alteration of the chemical composition of rocks. These processes are distinct from the mechanical action of frost wedging.