Question

Which term describes cycles of hot and cold temperatures which expand and contract rock in combination with constant wind and water which eventually leads to rocks cracking and breaking down to form sedimentary rock?

Answer 1

The answer is ice wedging.

Here is the breakdown:

The breaking down of rocks without transportation or movement to another place is called weathering.  

Weathering that is caused by changes in temperature is called physical weathering. There are many types of physical weathering. But because you mentioned water, and hot and cold temperatures, I believe you are talking about ice wedging.  

When water that is trapped inside gaps or joints between rocks freezes due to cold temperatures, the water expands (ice) and makes the joint bigger. When the temperature increases, the ice melts and moves into the joints again. When the temperature again decreases, the water freezes and expands (ice) making the joint even bigger. The cycle continues until the rock is broken into smaller pieces/sediments. This physical weathering is called ice wedging.  

However, to form sedimentary rocks, the sediments or small rock pieces must undergo lithification. Lithification is the compacting and cementing of rocks under pressure.  

Remember that sediments and sedimentary rocks are different.  

Answer 2

Answer:

The term described the given process is ice wedging.

Explanation:

• The breaking down of rocks without movement  or transportation to another place is called weathering.  

• Physical weathering, also called mechanical weathering. It is the process by which rocks change shape and texture or breakdown  by external forces.
• In physical weathering does not change the chemical composition of the rock unlike chemical  weathering. Frost or ice wedging is the type of physical weathering.

• When liquid water in the pores or joints of a rock freezes and expands, causing cracks in the rock. The water can flow into new pores when the ice melts again. As the melting and freezing process repeats, the cracks in rocks from frost or ice wedging can become quite large. Ice wedging can only occur with temperature fluctuations great enough to cause rapid melting and freezing of water. Repeated freezing and thawing of water cycle, the rock will break apart.

• However, to form sedimentary rocks,  small rock pieces or the sediments must undergo lithification. Lithification is process of the compacting and cementing of rocks under high pressure.