Question

the diagram models a rock before and after undergoing some process.
which process is most likely modeled by the diagram?
○ wind weathering the rock, moving through the crack and causing the rock to break apart.
○ water weathering the rock, settling in the crack and freezing, then breaking the rock as it expands.
○ gravity eroding the rock, pulling down on its particles and causing it to break apart.
○ water eroding the rock, breaking down and carrying away loose rock particles.

Explanation:

The diagram shows a rock with a small crack that breaks apart significantly. Frost wedging, a type of water weathering, occurs when water seeps into rock cracks, freezes (expanding by about 9%), and exerts pressure to break the rock. This matches the visual of the rock splitting from an initial crack. Wind weathering would involve abrasive particles, not crack expansion from freezing. Gravity erosion pulls rock down, not splitting it from internal pressure. Water erosion focuses on carrying away particles, not breaking the rock via freezing expansion.

Answer:

Water weathering the rock, settling in the crack and freezing, then breaking the rock as it expands.