What is the most important process for the loosening and braking up of consolidated rock in high,mountainous regions?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Repetitive freezing of water and thawing of ice in cracks is known as frost wedging or freeze-thaw weathering. This process is particularly important in high mountainous regions where there are large temperature fluctuations between day and night. Water enters small cracks in the rock, and when it freezes it expands, causing the crack to widen. When the ice melts, it leaves behind a larger crack that can be further widened in subsequent freeze-thaw cycles. Over time, this can lead to the breakage and erosion of consolidated rock. Increasing effective stress (A) and the consolidation parameter (C) may contribute to rock deformation, but they are not necessarily the most important processes for breaking up consolidated rock in high mountainous regions. Erosion by rivers (D) can also contribute to the weathering and erosion of rocks, but it is not specific to high mountainous regions.

What Is the Most Important Process for the Loosening and Braking