Which process initiates when accumulated snow within a cirque experiences repeated freeze-thaw cycles?

💡 Explanation

When a cirque experiences freeze-thaw cycles, nivation occurs because repeated freezing expands water within bedrock fractures causing physical weathering and erosion, ultimately deepening and enlarging the cirque. Therefore nivation is initiated, rather than sublimation, calving, or deposition which depend on different mechanisms and geographical settings.

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