Which geomorphic phenomenon results from freeze-thaw weathering within a cirque basin over extended periods?

💡 Explanation

When repeated freeze-thaw cycles act on the bedrock of a cirque, physical weathering breaks the rock into smaller pieces because water expands upon freezing exerting pressure. This process excavates and deepens the cirque floor; therefore cirque deepening results, rather than patterned ground, roche moutonnée, or permafrost stabilization that require different geologic settings.

• Which outcome primarily results regarding energy during episodic tremor?
• Which process exacerbates debris flow risk on an alluvial fan originating from glacial valleys?
• Which soil horizon develops rapidly when vegetation cover expands?
• Which effect arises when a transform fault limits plate subduction rate between segments?
• Which outcome will accelerate glacial retreat when volcanic ash deposits darken ice surfaces?
• Which process primarily causes cirque formation beneath a glacier terminus?