One common example of mechanical weathering is the process of freeze-thaw action. This occurs in environments where temperatures fluctuate around the freezing point of water. When water seeps into cracks in rocks and then freezes, it expands as it turns to ice. This expansion exerts pressure on the surrounding rock, causing the rock to fracture and break apart over time.
As the ice melts and the water thaws, this process can repeat itself, furthering the breakdown of the rock into smaller pieces. This form of weathering is particularly noticeable in mountainous or cold regions, where the cycles of freezing and thawing are frequent.