14. Earthworms are crucial for forming soil. As they search for food by digging tunnels, they expose rocks and minerals to the effects of weathering. Over time, this process
creates new soil. Worms are not the only living things that help to create soil. Plants
also play a part in the weathering process. As the roots of plants grow and seek out
water and nutrients, they help to break large rock fragments into smaller ones. Have
you ever seen a plant growing in a sidewalk? As the plants grows, its roots spread into
tiny cracks in the sidewalk. These roots apply pressure to the cracks, and, over time,
the cracks become larger, ice wedging can occur more readily. As the cracks expand,
more water can flow into them. When the water freezes, it expands and presses against
the walls of the cracks, which makes the cracks larger. Over time, the weathering
caused by water, plants, and worms help to form soil. QUESTION: Ice wedging, as
described in the passage, is an example of which of the following?
A mechanical weathering
B. Oxidation
C. chemical weathering
D. Hydrolysis