Frost shattering

Alternative definitions (3), class: vernacular (0)
Term: Frost shattering
Definition: The mechanical disintegration of rock by the pressure of water freezing in pores and along grain boundaries.  NSIDCCryosphere 

The mechanical disintegration of rock by the pressure of the freezing of water in pores and along grain boundaries  IPAPermafrost 

The mechanical disintegration of rock by the pressure of the freezing of water in pores and along grain boundaries. Freezing of the water drawn between the grains by various particle surface forces exerts sufficient differential pressure to loosen and separate the grains. Frost Shattering may be the dominant weathering process in high mountain regions, particularly in areas with frequent Freeze-Thaw Cycles and heavily jointed and weak rock types.  TrombottoGeocryology 

 GCW 
Created 2017.06.06
Last Modified 2022.03.08
Contributed by GCW Glossary
Permalink:
https://n2t.net/ark:/99152/h2301