congelifraction

[kən¦jel·ə¦frak·shən]

(geology)

The splitting or disintegration of rocks as the result of the freezing of the water contained. Also known as frost bursting; frost riving; frost shattering; frost splitting; frost weathering; frost wedging; gelifraction; gelivation.

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References in periodicals archive ?

One of the most typical physical breakdown processes is congelifraction, which is determined by the porosity and the size distribution of the empty spaces within the rock.

High mountain dominion

Frost wedging caused by the ice, also known as gelivation or congelifraction, occurs along the planes of weakness of rocks (the result of their tectonic past) and is at the same time combined with the fracture planes resulting from the stresses caused by sudden changes in temperature.