Select the correct answer.

The table presents the average day and night temperatures in five cities and reveals whether a city receives substantial rainfall (wet climate) or little rainfall (dry climate). Which city's rocks are likeliest to experience frost wedging, and why?

[tex]\[
\begin{tabular}{|l|c|c|c|}
\hline
City & Climate & Day Temperature ($^{\circ}C$) & Night Temperature ($^{\circ}C$) \\
\hline
City A & dry & -11 & -30 \\
\hline
City B & wet & 5 & -4 \\
\hline
City C & wet & 14 & 6 \\
\hline
City D & dry & 26 & 17 \\
\hline
\end{tabular}
\][/tex]

A. City A because the consistently subzero temperatures would prevent water from melting and escaping rocks.

B. City B because it is a wet region and the temperature fluctuates around the freezing point.

C. City C because it receives plenty of rainfall and the weather is moderately cool.

D. City D because the hot and dry weather would cause rocks to absorb water.



Answer :

To determine which city's rocks are most likely to experience frost wedging, let’s take into consideration the conditions that favor this process. Frost wedging occurs when water enters the cracks of rocks and repeatedly freezes and thaws. The following factors are crucial:
1. The presence of water – typically found in wet climates.
2. Temperature fluctuations around the freezing point (0°C) – essential for the freeze-thaw cycle.

Next, let's analyze each city's conditions based on their climates and temperatures:

- City A:
- Climate: Dry
- Day Temperature: -11°C
- Night Temperature: -30°C
- Analysis: City A has extremely low temperatures and does not regularly fluctuate around the freezing point. The dry climate further reduces the presence of water for frost wedging.

- City B:
- Climate: Wet
- Day Temperature: 5°C
- Night Temperature: -4°C
- Analysis: City B has a wet climate, ensuring the presence of water. Moreover, the temperatures fluctuate around the freezing point (daytime above 0°C and nighttime below 0°C), providing the freeze-thaw cycles necessary for frost wedging.

- City C:
- Climate: Wet
- Day Temperature: 14°C
- Night Temperature: 6°C
- Analysis: Although City C has a wet climate, the temperatures are consistently well above the freezing point, which does not support the freeze-thaw cycles required for frost wedging.

- City D:
- Climate: Dry
- Day Temperature: 26°C
- Night Temperature: 17°C
- Analysis: City D features high and consistent temperatures well above the freezing point. Its dry climate also limits the presence of water necessary for frost wedging.

Based on the above analysis, the city most likely to experience frost wedging is:
- City B because it is a wet region and the temperature fluctuates around the freezing point.

Therefore, the correct answer is:
B. City B because it is a wet region and the temperature fluctuates around the freezing point.