Which process is characterized by the breaking off of rock pieces due to temperature changes?

The breaking off of rock pieces due to temperature changes is characteristic of exfoliation. This process occurs primarily in mountainous or hilly regions where rocks are subjected to significant temperature fluctuations. During the day, temperatures can rise, causing the outer layers of rock to expand. At night, these temperatures can drop, leading to contraction. Over time, this cycle of expansion and contraction can cause the outer layers to peel away or flake off in thin sheets, resembling the layers of an onion.

This mechanical weathering process is particularly pronounced in granite and similar types of rock. It is important to note that exfoliation is different from other weathering processes like hydrolysis, which involves chemical reactions with water; freeze-thaw action, which involves water freezing and expanding in cracks; and carbonation, which involves the reaction of carbon dioxide with minerals. Each of these processes operates under different mechanisms, making exfoliation distinct in its reliance on temperature changes.