Answer:
Step 1 Water seeps into cracks and fractures in rocks
Step 2 When the water freezes it expands 9% in volume, which wedges apart the rock
Step 3 Potholes and cracks in sidewalks are formed
Step 4 With repeat freeze/thaw cycles, rock breaks into pieces
Step-by-step explanation:
Ice wedging is a type of weathering process that is prevalent in areas that have frequent freeze and thaw cycles. Ice wedging occurs because water expands as it goes from liquid to solid. Water in its liquid form can make its way into even the smallest of cracks, Then when the temperature cools to the freezing point, the water turns to ice and expands, causing the cracks to expand and fill with more water over the time which freezes again. The frequent repeat of freeze/thaw cycles eventually breaks the rock into pieces.