What is the effect when water freezes in the cracks in the rocks?

Answer 1

It depends on the type of rock in question: Igneous; Metamorphic or Sedimentary. As an example, consider the differences between applying high temperatures to a volcanic rock and say, sandstone. Igneous rocks are born of primordial fire, so you'd think they could handle the minor heat of boiling like Superman. However, they almost always contain lots of air pockets which can shatter the ex-magma when boiled! Freezing affects rocks the same way it cracks the pavement in the winter. Water gets in, freezes, expands and cracks the rock, which opens it more to further freezing and eventually the rock gets smaller and smaller until it's a mere pebble in an oft frozen stream near the arctic. Could have started as a boulder. Take away my dramatic love of Geology, and the most basic answer would be eventual destruction. Cheers!

Answer 2

It changes the form of the rock. For example, igneous rock was once molten lava (liquid) but once it cooled, it became a solid. This can also move the rock into a different category (sedimentary, igneous, magma/lava, or metamorphic).

Answer 3

boiling a rock will have no affect except a little bit of eroding while freezing will create cracks and expand the rock if your consistent tempatures are cosisten you should come up with the same thing

Answer 4

1. Water in pores or cracks in the rock freezes.
2. When water freezes the ice is larger than the liquid water.
3. The ice pushes on the pores or cracks, fracturing the rock.
4. More water enters when the ice melts to fill the larger space.
5. Repeat until the entire rock breaks up.

Answer 5

The effect is the crack in the rock opens and the water melts.