Preliminary experimental studies on frost weathering of certain rock types from the West Sudetes
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.26485/BP/1967/16/7Keywords:
frost weathering, West Sudetes, lithological properties of rocks, freeze–thaw cycleAbstract
The studies embraced the fundamental rock types occurring in the West Sudetes, such as granites, gneisses, metamorphic schists, crystalline limestones, sandstones, greenstones, basalts, etc. These rocks underwent cyclic freezing and thawing in the laboratory, under conditions of the so-called Iceland cycle (according to J. Tricart), characterized by a defined temperature amplitude (up to 15°C) and considerable humidity. In general, a high susceptibility to frost weathering was observed in sandstones, several types of granite, and metamorphic schists. Crystalline limestones, gneisses, and volcanites showed greater resistance to weathering. Rocks with well-developed grains tended to undergo uniform, multi-fractional disintegration, whereas cryptocrystalline and massive rocks with fine grains produced relatively coarser material (in the form of chips) and silt-sized particles below 0.5 mm in grain size. Differences in the weathering behavior of individual rocks were, among other factors, the result of varying amounts of water used in the experiment, as well as differences in the initial condition of the rock samples.
An analysis of the data obtained under both laboratory and field conditions, in conjunction with literature data, allows for the identification of a series of relationships and dependencies that influence the effects and types of frost weathering. These dependencies were categorized into groups reflecting the active factors of the process (temperature and water) and the passive factors (which result from the lithological characteristics of rocks, such as mineral composition, texture, structure, type of cementing material, quantity, and distribution of fractures, etc.). The significant influence of other types of weathering on frost activity was also taken into account.
After discussing these dependencies and the variation in material obtained during the experiment, the author addresses the issue of macro- and microgelivation. The resistance or susceptibility of a given rock to frost weathering can currently be estimated only in general terms. A detailed assessment of the process’s effectiveness requires precise determination of both the environmental conditions and the properties of the rock.
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