Mechanical weathering
Mechanical weathering is the class of processes that causes the disintegration of rocks without chemical change. The primary process in mechanical weathering is abrasion. However, chemical and mechanical weathering often go hand in hand. Mechanical weathering can occur due to temperature, pressure, frost. For example, cracks exploited by mechanical weathering will increase the surface area exposed to chemical action. Furthermore, the chemical action of minerals in cracks can aid the disintegration process.