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Definition:
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The disintegration and break-up of soil or rock by the combined action of Frost Shattering, frost wedging and hydration shattering. Hydration shattering is the process of grain loosening and soil or rock disintegration by the wedging pressure of water in films of varying thickness on the surfaces of silicate minerals. The process can act in all climates without the aid of freezing and thawing. When combined with freezing and thawing (Frost Shattering and frost wedging), however, the resulting process of Frost Weathering can be a very efficient mechanism for the break-up of soil or rock.
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