Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure (MTEL) Practice Test 2025 – Comprehensive All-in-One Preparation Guide for Exam Success

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What weathering process is known to be a major agent of physical weathering in cold climates?

Chemical weathering

Solar heating

Frost wedging

The process identified as a major agent of physical weathering in cold climates is frost wedging. This phenomenon occurs when water enters cracks and crevices in rocks. In cold temperatures, this water freezes and expands, exerting pressure on the surrounding rock. As the water thaws, it contracts, and this cycle of freezing and thawing effectively causes the rock to fracture and break apart over time.

Frost wedging is particularly prevalent in regions where temperatures fluctuate around the freezing point, leading to repeated cycles of freeze-thaw action. It is an essential process in shaping geological features in colder environments, contributing to the disintegration of rock formations and the alteration of landscapes. Understanding frost wedging aids in comprehending how physical weathering operates in climates characterized by low temperatures and significant precipitation.

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Wind erosion

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