Introducing Stochasticity into Rock Fracture by Frost Cracking
Abstract
Rock fracture and fragmentation by the physical weathering process of frost cracking is strongly supported by both theoretical modeling and several well-controlled laboratory experiments. Results of these studies have generally concluded that there are multiple controlling factors including liquid saturation level, static and dynamic mechanical properties of the rock, and the transient thermal conditions during cyclic freezing and thawing. The degree that frost cracking contributes to the fracture and fragmentation observed in the field is difficult to quantify however. This is primarily due to the disconnect between the often idealized, isotropic, and/or uniform properties and characteristics applied in the theoretical models, and the necessarily more anisotropic, non-uniform, and overall stochastic reality of natural materials and processes. Therefore, we have begun attempting to bring these two ends of the research closer together by introducing some new numerical modeling techniques to the theoretical models that include more of this stochastic and non-uniform behavior. While results indicate that some effects are weak, lending support to many assumptions previously used in the theoretical models, others are surprisingly significant and can even appear counter-intuitive. We will discuss these new modeling approaches, some of the more recent results, and attempt to draw some connections with both past weathering events, as well as potential future events such as climate change and evolving land utilizations.
- Publication:
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AGU Fall Meeting Abstracts
- Pub Date:
- December 2018
- Bibcode:
- 2018AGUFM.C54A..02P
- Keywords:
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- 0702 Permafrost;
- CRYOSPHEREDE: 1621 Cryospheric change;
- GLOBAL CHANGEDE: 1625 Geomorphology and weathering;
- GLOBAL CHANGEDE: 1807 Climate impacts;
- HYDROLOGY