Which of the following weathering processes involves the expansion and contraction of minerals due to diurnal temperature variations, leading to the peeling off of concentric rock shells?

💡 Solution & Explanation

Exfoliation is a physical weathering phenomenon caused by intense diurnal temperature fluctuations that create differential expansion and contraction in surface rock layers, causing them to peel in concentric shells. Processes such as hydration and oxidation are chemical weathering agents involving water absorption and mineral reactions rather than temperature-driven mechanical fracturing.