Frost weathering of main rock types of the Ślęża Massif, SW Poland. An experimental approach
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.26485/BP/2000/39/6Keywords:
frost resistance, freeze-thaw cycles, periglacial landformsAbstract
Experimental testing of frost resistance of the geomorphologically most important rocks in the Ślęża Massif, SW Poland, has been carried out. Thirteen specimens representing serpentinite, gabbro, amphibolite, granite and quartz-feldspar rock were subjected to 80 freeze-thaw cycles. Freezing temperatures were -22°C to -21°C and freezing duration was minimum 30 minutes, thawing temperatures were 20° C to 21°C and the specimens were left defrosting for at least 3 hours 30 minutes. Prior to the experiment macroscopic features of specimens were described and porosity of samples measured. The results of the experiment show that the resistance of the examined rocks depends on their lithological features, especially, on the degree of chemical weathering. Positive correlation between porosity and efficacy of frost weathering has been recorded. Generally, gabbro and amphibolite are more resistant against frost action than serpentinite and granite. It is likely that this unequal resistance played an important part in landform development of the Ślęża Massif during periglacial periods. Typical periglacial landforms such as frost cliffs, blockfields, cryoplanation terraces and rock glaciers are associated mainly with gabbro and amphibolite slopes. Gabbro has proved highly resistant, which does not confirm the opinion that limited efficacy of frost weathering is associated with the fine-grained structure and the homogenous mineralogical composition of the rock. Grain size distribution of the debris produced during the experiment shows the complexity of frost weathering processes controlled by lithology, first of all, by the degree of chemical weathering prior to the experiment. Fresh rocks were subjected mainly to granular disintegration and produced mostly grains of a diameter smaller than 0.25 mm, whilst the chemically weathered specimens disintegrated into pieces of different sizes, with the bigger ones predominating. In both cases the amounts of clay-size particles were relatively low.
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