Here's how it works:

* Water expands when it freezes: As water turns to ice, its volume increases.

* Cracks and crevices: When water seeps into cracks and crevices in rocks, it can freeze.

* Expansion pressure: As the water freezes and expands, it exerts tremendous pressure on the surrounding rock.

* Rock breakage: Over time, this repeated freezing and thawing cycle can cause cracks to widen, eventually leading to the rock breaking apart.

This process is known as frost wedging.