Crystallization cycle

Description

A destructive weathering pattern in which salts or other materials alternate between crystalline and solution phases depending on the amount of moisture (Relative humidity) present. Changes in volume between the two phases may damage the surrounding matrix.

See also Freeze-thaw cycle.

Synonyms and Related Terms

Salzsprengtest (Deut.); ciclo de cristalização (Port.)

Resources and Citations

• Caring for your Collections, Arthur W Schulz (ed.), Harry N. Abrams, Inc. , New York, 1992