Question

As temperature changes, rocks expand and

contract. The rocks eventually break into
smaller pieces. Which process accounts for
this expansion and contraction of rocks?

Answer 1

Thermal heating and cooling

Step-by-step explanation:

This process described results from thermal heating and cooling as a mechanism of mechanical weathering of rock bodies.

• It is often more pronounced in the arid regions of the world where there is a significant difference between day and night temperatures.
• With mechanical weathering, rocks are broken down into fragments by physical disintegration.
• During the day, the high temperature causes the rock to expand significantly.
• At night, the rock contracts and on the long run, joints and fractures begins to appear on the rock surface.