Question

Which of the following reasons is/are responsible for mechanical weathering?
A) Temperature
B) Frost
C) Crystal growth
D) All of above

Answer 1

Hint: Rock is broken down into tiny pieces by mechanical weathering (also known as physical weathering). These little fragments are identical to the larger rock, only smaller. That means the rock has altered in appearance but not in composition.

Complete answer:
Mechanical weathering is the breakdown of rock by mechanical processes such as ice freezing and expanding in cracks, tree roots developing in similar crevices, rock expansion and contraction in locations with high daytime and low nighttime temperatures, rock cracking in forest fires, and so on.

Mechanical weathering is mostly caused by the following factors:
Temperature: Thermal stress, which is caused by temperature variations, can also contribute to mechanical weathering. Temperature changes cause rock to expand (with heat) and compress (with cold) (with cold). The rock's structure weakens as this happens over and over again. It crumbles over time.

Frost: Frost weathering refers to a group of mechanical weathering processes triggered by pressures caused by water freezing into ice. The word is used to describe a number of phenomena, including frost shattering, frost wedging, and cryofracturing.

Crystal growth: Salt crystals grow within cracks and crevices in rocks when salt water penetrates into them and then evaporates on a hot sunny day. The pressure exerted by these crystals on the rock can push grains apart, weakening and breaking the rock.

Release of pressure: Release of pressure Weathering happens when the ambient pressure of deep underground rocks, which are ordinarily subjected to immense pressure from all sides, decreases as a result of forces such as erosion at the surface.

Water: Mechanical deterioration is frequently aided by water. In rock, liquid water can penetrate into fractures and crevices. The water will freeze if the temperature drops low enough. Water expands as it freezes. The ice acts as a wedge at this point. It expands the fissures and breaks the rock over time. When ice melts, liquid water acts as an erosive agent, taking away the small rock particles that were lost in the break.

Thus, the correct answer is Option (D) All of the above.

Note: Weathering is the breakdown or dissolution of rocks and minerals on the Earth's surface. Water, ice, acids, salts, plants, animals, and temperature fluctuations are all weathering agents. Weathering takes place in the presence of water, ice, snow, wind, waves, and gravity, and should not be confused with erosion, which involves the transfer of rocks and minerals by external forces such as water, ice, snow, wind, waves, and gravity.