The thermoclastie is one of the principal processes of physical disintegration of the Roche S. It is related to the temperature variations (in certain desert areas the thermal amplitude day laborer exceeds the 45°). The thermoclastie is due to the answers (contraction/dilation) différencielles of the mineral to these changes of temperatures. This alternation, contraction/expansion causes an overpressure on the level of the external walls of the rock and causes its bursting.

The Cryoclastie (or gélifraction) is a particular case of thermoclastie. It utilizes the solid and liquid phases of the Eau. Indeed, in cold and wet areas, primarily the periglacial zones, freezes it of the water contained in the fractures involves an important pressure and causes the bursting of the rock in fragments.

See too

• Cryoclastie
• Hydroclastie