Which describes a characteristic of water that is responsible for frost wedging?(1 point)
Responses
Water expands when it freezes
One characteristic of water that is responsible for frost wedging is its ability to expand when it freezes. When water freezes, it forms ice crystals that take up more space than the liquid water molecules. This expansion can exert pressure on the surrounding materials, such as cracks in rocks or pavement, causing them to widen and eventually break apart. This process is known as frost wedging.
One characteristic of water that is responsible for frost wedging is its ability to expand when it freezes. When water freezes, it forms ice crystals that take up more space than the liquid water. This expansion can exert significant pressure on the surrounding materials, such as rocks or soil, causing them to crack or fracture. Over time, repeated freezing and thawing cycles can lead to the breakdown of larger rocks into smaller pieces, a process known as frost wedging.
To find this answer, you can start by understanding what frost wedging means. Frost wedging refers to the process where water freezes and expands, causing rocks and other materials to crack or break apart. Once you understand this concept, you can deduce that the characteristic of water responsible for frost wedging is its ability to expand when it freezes.
Alternatively, you can use online resources or textbooks that discuss the geological process of frost wedging. These sources will likely explain that water's expansion during freezing is the driving force behind frost wedging.