Question

In which area would weathering by frost wedging probably be most effective?

a) Tropical rainforest
b) Desert region
c) Mountainous terrain
d) Coastal plain

Answer 1

Frost wedging is most effective in mountainous terrain, due to frequent freeze-thaw cycles that facilitate this form of physical weathering.

Step-by-step explanation:

Frost Wedging and Geography

Frost wedging is a form of physical weathering that occurs when water seeps into cracks in rocks and expands upon freezing. The question of where frost wedging would be most effective depends on the occurrence of the freeze-thaw cycle, which is a key factor in this process. Considering the provided options, frost wedging is most likely to be effective in mountainous terrain (c) because of the frequent temperature fluctuations above and below the freezing point that facilitate the freeze-thaw cycles.

Tropical rainforests (a) have high temperatures and humidity, which make the formation of ice within rocks unlikely. Desert regions (b) are characterized by dry conditions with very little rainfall, and although temperatures may fluctuate, the lack of water makes frost wedging ineffective. Finally, coastal plains (d) typically do not experience the extreme temperature changes needed for frost wedging. In mountainous regions, on the other hand, there are often steep slopes with varying microclimates, which can result in a significant occurrence of freeze-thaw cycles that contribute to the effectiveness of frost wedging.