Final answer:
The best fit for the definition provided is 'physical weathering,' also known as mechanical weathering, which occurs rapidly in climates with frequent freezing and thawing.
Step-by-step explanation:
The type of weathering that occurs more rapidly in climates that experience frequent freezes and thaws is physical weathering, which is also often referred to as mechanical weathering. This process is highly effective in such climates due to the expansion of water when it freezes, which can cause rocks to break apart.
Physical or mechanical weathering involves the breakup of rocks without any change in their chemical composition. The most common form of physical weathering in freeze-thaw climates is known as frost wedging. When water trickles into cracks in the rock and freezes, it expands, exerting pressure on the surrounding rock. The repeated freezing and thawing cycles eventually cause the rock to crack and break apart. This type of weathering is particularly common in mountainous regions or areas with a significant number of freeze-thaw cycles. Over time, the broken pieces of rock may accumulate as gravel, pebbles, sand, or other sediments that contribute to soil formation and can be transported and deposited by various geological processes.