Risk analysis of cryoclastic weathering in Spain: current situation and future trend
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.55407/geogaceta113671Keywords:
frost weathering, freeze-thaw, erosion, climate change, frostAbstract
This study analyzes the variability of cryoclastic weathering risk in Spain, establishing the context for research focused on the deterioration and erosion of rocks and building materials due to freezethaw processes in cold climates. The results are derived from the analysis of climate series from 84 meteorological stations of the AEMET (State Meteorological Agency) network over the last 30 years. The intensity of cryoclastic weathering is quantified using different parameters based on the number of times per year that the daily minimum temperature exceeds a defined threshold. The results show that, in general terms, freeze-thaw transitions are more frequent in mountain areas and in the interior of the northern half of the Iberian Peninsula, reaching more than 100 transitions per year. Their incidence is minimal in both oceanic climate regions and coastal Mediterranean and semi-arid areas. The geographical distribution of cryoclastic weathering risk may vary slightly depending on the parameter considered. The temporal evolution of this risk is also addressed by analyzing the trend of each parameter. Although the general trend in Spain indicates a decrease in the number of annual freeze-thaw transitions, some regions show positive trends, suggesting an increasing risk of cryoclastic weathering.
References
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Copyright (c) 2025 Carlos Morales Rodríguez, Mª Teresa Ortega Villazán, Javier Martínez Martinez
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