This type of weathering alters the physical look of a rock and occurs in cold climates?

• A. Mechanical Weathering
• B. Weathering
• C. Chemical Weathering
• D. Frost Wedging

Answer: (A)

Mechanical weathering describes changes to a rock that alter its physical appearance without changing its minerals. In cold climates, water trapped in cracks freezes and expands, slowly prying the rock apart; this frost wedging is a classic example of mechanical weathering. So, since the question focuses on the type of weathering that changes how the rock looks and occurs in cold conditions, the broad category of mechanical weathering fits best. Chemical weathering would alter the rock’s composition, and frost wedging is a specific mechanism within mechanical weathering rather than the broad term itself.