Which type of weathering could involve freezing and thawing cycles breaking down rocks?

Physical weathering, also known as mechanical weathering, involves the breakdown of rocks through physical processes without changing their chemical composition. One of the most common examples of this type of weathering is frost action, which occurs when water enters cracks in rocks and freezes. As the water freezes, it expands, exerting pressure on the surrounding rock. When the ice thaws, the pressure is released, and over repeated cycles of freezing and thawing, this process can cause the rock to crack and eventually break apart.

In contrast, chemical weathering involves the alteration of the chemical structure of minerals through reactions with water, air, or other chemicals, leading to the formation of new minerals and materials. Biological weathering includes processes carried out by living organisms, such as the roots of plants breaking down rocks. Salt weathering is a specific process where salt crystals grow within rock fractures and contribute to breaking the rock apart but does not encompass the broader concept of physical weathering that includes freezing and thawing cycles.