In terms of soil, the mechanical forces caused by temperature change are known as what?

The mechanical forces caused by temperature changes in soil are categorized as weathering. Weathering is a natural process that involves the breakdown and alteration of rocks and minerals in the soil due to various environmental factors, including temperature variations. When temperatures fluctuate, materials in the soil can expand and contract, leading to physical stress and ultimately causing the rock to fracture and break apart over time. This process is crucial in the formation of soil, as it contributes to the alteration of parent material into finer particles, enriching the soil and supporting plant growth.

Compaction refers to the process of soil particles being pressed together, reducing pore space and increasing soil density, which is not primarily driven by temperature changes. Soil erosion involves the removal of topsoil by wind, water, or other natural forces but is not related to temperature effects on the soil structure. Decomposition is a biological process where organic matter breaks down through the action of microorganisms and does not directly pertain to mechanical forces caused by temperature changes.