Weathering in cold environments

Processes:

There are 4 main weathering processes in cold environments-

1) Freeze thaw
2) Carbonation
3) Hydrolysis
4) Dilation/Pressure Release

1. Freeze thaw


It only occurs where the diurnal (means 24 hours/daily) temperature ranges above and below freezing. Meltwater from a glacier goes into cracks in the rocks and freezes at night expanding. This repeated action over a long time results in cracks joining up and chunks of rock falling away. This can result in scree (see below).

2. Solution/Carbonation

At lower temperatures CO2 (carbon dioxide) is more soluble in the atmosphere and can dissolve in rainwater forming a weak carbonic acid (this is more commonly known as acid rain) which reacts with limestone dissolving it. 

3. Hydrolysis

This is where in granite the H+ ions in water replace the K+ ions in feldspar producing Kaolin. If joints in the bedrock are closely spaced the increased surface area increases the extent of the hydrolysis, effectively rotting the granite.

4. Dilation/Pressure Release

This is where the removal of weight either by erosion of rock or melting of ice that reduces pressure on bedrock allowing fractures to open up.

Landforms (all located in Cairngorms, Scotland):

1) Tors
2) Blockfields
3) Scree/Talus Slopes


1. Tors:

- Found in Iach Bun Rudhtair, Ben Avon, Cairgorms
- Rocky outcrops up to 5m tall
- Classic weathering landform
- Debris found at the base of tors is commonly known as clitter.
- What remains after constant hydrolysis of the bedrock.
- Can occur after a glacier has melted and dilation has occurred. 




2. Blockfields:

- Found at the summit of Ben Macdui, Cairngorms
- Areas of flatland/gentle slopes where there is scree (also known as frost-shattered material) the result of freeze thaw weathering breaks up the surface into large boulders. These remain in situ.




3. Scree/Talus Slopes


- Found at Lairig Ghru, Cairngorms
- Scree is tiny bits of frost-shattered material.
- A scree slope is where the material collects at the foot of a vertical cliff or free-face.
- The slopes show a degree of sorting with particles increasing in size downslope.