Answer:
A: physical/mechanical weathering
Step-by-step explanation:
The name of the process described is physical/mechanical weathering. This type of weathering refers to the breakdown of rocks and minerals through physical processes, such as the freezing and thawing of water, which causes the rock to crack and break apart.
Option B, erosion, refers to the process by which soil and rock particles are removed and transported by wind, water, or other natural agents. While the cracking and breaking of the rock caused by freezing and thawing can lead to erosion, it is not the primary process at work.
Option C, chemical weathering, involves the breakdown of rocks and minerals through chemical reactions, such as the dissolution of limestone in acidic water. While water can be involved in both physical and chemical weathering, the freezing and thawing process is a purely physical mechanism.
Option D, deposition, refers to the process of sediment being dropped or deposited in a new location, such as the buildup of sand along a beach or the accumulation of soil in a river delta. This process is not related to the cracking and breaking of rocks due to the freezing and thawing of water.